WMC-TV 5 - Memphis, TNMud Island on alert for possible peeping tom

Mud Island on alert for possible peeping tom

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Residents on Mud Island were shocked to learn earlier this week there may be a peeping tom in their midst.  News of possible peeper in their quiet Mud Island community has many residents on alert.

"When I moved here I thought this was a great place to live," resident Heather Jones said Wednesday. "Now it's disturbing."

Memphis police are searching for the nosy suspect, who has neighbors in the Island Place area terrified.  Investigators say it typically doesn't matter where you live - peeping toms usually have a motive.

"You have all kinds of people that are trying to look in people's houses, whether they're looking for some type of sexual gratification or to case the house," Lt. Wilton Cleveland said.

While detectives aren't sure who the suspect might be, they're urging people to never take chances.  Police say motion-detecting lights are a great form of security. 

"Leave your lights on," Cleveland said. "Leave the exterior lights on."

It's a warning some residents are taking very seriously.

"We lock our doors all the time," Jones said. "Usually we don't leave any of our windows open or anything like that."

And be cautious if you do spot someone looking into your house.

"We don't want somebody to be prowling around looking through somebody's windows for whatever reason and it becomes a bigger crime," Cleveland said.

Residents are simply hoping for a quick resolution.

"I hope they find out who it is and I hope they can stop him really soon," Jones said. "We don't want it to go further, or have anything worse to happen."

Authorities say if you are concerned about peeping toms you should close your curtains or blinds at night. If you have any information that could help authorities contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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