Crime-plagued Loyalty Inn in Whitehaven to beef up security

A temporary injunction issued Wednesday requires the Loyalty Inn in Whitehaven to expand its security.

The order from Shelby County Environmental Court for the motel at 1360 Springbrook Ave. is in response to more than 500 calls for service from law enforcement over the past three years. Additionally, the injunction gives the Memphis Police Department greater access to the property.

According to the MPD’s Organized Crime Unit, the motel has been involved in three homicides, two rapes, 40 assaults, 16 drug violations, six robberies and 37 arrests.

The order also gives police the authority to conduct knock-and-talk visits with guests, access to real-time surveillance of the property, and requires two security guards at certain hours and mandates weekly monitoring appearances in Environmental Court.

The motel can remain open for new business if the owners comply with the order.

“This petition is filed in an effort to stop what appears to be a long-term and worsening problem of criminal activity occurring at the Loyalty Inn,” said District Attorney General Amy Weirich in a statement. “The property is an uncontrolled danger and a nuisance, serving as a haven for extensive drug-related sales and activity, criminal disturbances, and other dangerous behavior.”

The business was formerly an America’s Best Value Inn and changed its name this year. It’s operated by Springbrook Hospitality LLC.

The first court appearance is scheduled for Monday.