Burglars hit nine businesses on Halls Ferry, South Frontage

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 5, 2001

Seen through a broken window, Vicksburg Policeman Glen Roe and Dee Cotton, owner of The Print Shop, survey damage after an overnight break-in. (The Vicksburg Post/CHAD APPLEBAUM)

[06/05/01] Opportunistic burglars took advantage of a power outage Monday night to break into nine businesses, all along South Frontage or Halls Ferry Road.

Vicksburg Police began receiving calls around 7 a.m. Tuesday that several businesses along the three-mile stretch had been burglarized.

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Losses in money and merchandise and property damage were being tallied Tuesday morning.

Detective Sgt. Sandra Johnson said a power outage reported on parts of Halls Ferry and South Frontage roads Monday night likely played a part in the break-ins.

“I guess they thought it would be a good time to do it,” Johnson said.

Dee Cotton, owner of The Print Shop, one of three businesses in the Dixie Plaza shopping center that were burglarized, said it could have been worse.

“They didn’t damage any of the equipment so we are grateful for that,” Cotton said.

Other businesses that were broken into include Fabra Care Cleaners on Halls Ferry Road and China Doll restaurant, 3425 Halls Ferry Road.

Three businesses were hit in Dixie Plaza shopping center, including Tan-Tastic Tanning Salon, 1808 S. Frontage, and El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, 1820 S. Frontage.

About a mile down the road, Hice Medical Uniforms Outlet, Initially Yours Monograms and Designs, Stitch-N-Frame and Gina’s Hair Effects, all at 2222 S. Frontage Road, were also burglarized.

Debbie Gibson, owner of Initially Yours, said she felt like she had been violated.

“I wonder where my protection was,” Gibson said.

If the lights were out, Gibson said, why hadn’t the police patrols been increased.

Deputy Chief Frank Phelps said 45 officers were patrolling the south end of the city. “I think they were aware that there had been a power outage,” he said.

Vicksburg Police had no suspects Tuesday morning.