(December 17, 2009) - Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is making a $1,000 donation to Crime Stoppers (528-CASH [2274]) in an attempt to obtain information leading to the arrest of those responsible for three separate robberies of MLGW employees.

In what appears to be crimes of opportunity, four MLGW field personnel were robbed in three separate incidents within a week's time in early September. The first robbery occurred as two MLGW employees were working in a ditch to fix a gas leak when they were approached at gunpoint by several males. The second incident happened when a Customer Service Technician was hit on the head by a robber while in the process of reconnecting a customer's utility services and in the third case, another Customer Service worker was carjacked while on duty.

Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no major property was lost as the utility discourages its employees from carrying anything of value while on the job. However, MLGW is taking the matter very seriously.

"These robberies and other acts of violence against our employees are of great concern to the company, and we’re doing everything we can to catch and prosecute these folks," said Melvin Bibbs, Section Supervisor of Corporate Security.

MLGW wants to help publicize the robberies of these field employees and to solicit information that will help solve these crimes. Individuals who have information that will help solve these crimes are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274).

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.