A routine shopping trip turned chaotic at Tanger Outlets Nashville when a gang of robbers targeted a perfume store, Perfumania, on June 2. The incident, captured on video by TikTok user @ptodropout, shows the daring theft and the efforts of shoppers and a security guard to thwart the criminals.
The video begins with four masked and hooded individuals storming into Perfumania, while a store employee’s desperate cry, “Y’all can’t be in here,” echoes through the shop. Among the witnesses was Preston, the TikToker’s son, who recounted the incident to WSMV4. “I turned around and saw three or four people walking in with masks and hoodies on,” Preston said. “I’ve never seen it happen before, so I was a little in shock. I just was doing what I thought I should do.”
As the robbers ransacked the store, smashing glass and looting cologne from shelves, quick-thinking shoppers and a security guard sprang into action. They held the front door shut, effectively trapping the thieves inside. Preston, along with other witnesses, speculated on whether the robbers were armed, noting their ages appeared to range from 16 to 20.
Despite the heroic efforts of the shoppers, the robbers managed to escape by breaking through a back door. According to Preston, the security guards informed him that the thieves jumped a fence and fled toward Interstate 24. WSVM4 later obtained footage from I-24 showing three suspects running alongside the road. They ultimately commandeered a car, making a successful getaway.
The TikTok video captured nearly the entire episode, with the user noting that it took police 30 minutes to arrive. This delay sparked frustration among the trapped customers, who openly questioned the police response time. “It felt like forever,” one witness remarked.
Upon their arrival, police learned that the original call reported a fight in progress, not a robbery. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed on June 3 that no incident report had been filed. This robbery is just one of several incidents at Tanger Outlets Nashville, which opened in Antioch less than a year ago.
Shoplifting at Tanger Outlets began almost immediately after its grand opening on October 27, 2023. In November, police told FOX 17 News about a theft where thousands of dollars worth of Michael Kors jackets were stolen. Security footage from that incident was obtained, highlighting the persistent security challenges at the new shopping center.
Following the Perfumania robbery, Tanger Outlets Nashville released a statement on social media, emphasizing their commitment to safety. “Safety and security programs at the center include measures that are both seen and unseen, and all efforts are supported by local law enforcement,” the statement read. “Tanger maintains a zero-tolerance policy, which is also enforced by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.”
Preston shared the concerns of the shoppers present during the attempted robbery. “They [shoppers and store owners] said this happened a lot in their area, like in that mall,” he told WSMV4. “The other people seemed really upset about it because they live in the area. They’re just upset that it happens so often.”
The incident at Perfumania highlights the ongoing struggle against retail theft and the impact it has on local communities. While the bravery of the shoppers and security personnel is commendable, the event underscores the need for more robust security measures and quicker police response times to ensure the safety and security of both shoppers and store employees.
As Tanger Outlets Nashville continues to grapple with these challenges, the community’s resilience and determination to combat crime remain unwavering. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the collective effort required to maintain a safe shopping environment.
