Troubling trend of thefts at South End bars

CHARLOTTE, NC – More thefts are happening in South End. We told you last week about a troubling trend happening at a popular south Charlotte bar.

A night out in South End cost Logan Harris more than a bar tab.

“I didn’t realize until later on at Rose that my phone was gone,” said Harris.

Harris said she went from the Gin Mill to The Rose Honky Tonk bar Saturday night. In that time, someone stole her phone out of her purse.

We first reported about the troubling trend of thefts around Tryon and Bland streets. CMPD reports show 17 people had something stolen from Gin Mill between December to early May.

The Gin Mill sent us this statement:

“Upon first learning of these incidents, the owners of the Gin Mill contacted CMPD to report the theft and make them aware.  In turn, CMPD expressed that this is happening to multiple establishments in South End but they had been unable to identify the responsible parties.  When we asked CMPD what we could do to help, they suggested putting up signs to inform patrons to be vigilant in safeguarding their belongings.  The Gin Mill invested in permanent signage, as well as increasing security on busy nights in an attempt to dissuade potential criminal activity. We also have off-duty CMPD officers on the weekends in an effort to keep our customers safe.

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to control every individual that enters our establishment. We will continue to remind our patrons to keep their belongings close to them at all times. If we are able to catch the thief in the act, we will alert the off-duty officers and allow the criminal justice system to operate.  We value our customers and their safety and will continue to do anything within our power to prevent theft.”