Jackson police investigate 3 break-ins at animal rescue
Jackson police are asking for the public’s help after the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi was burglarized three times in May, the Jackson Police Department said. The burglaries occurred May 13, May 19 and May 20 at the rescue’s 395 W. Mayes St. location, and all occurred after 11 p.m., police said.
The Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi, known as ARF, said the first break-in on May 13 resulted in the theft of thousands of dollars in supplies, including medicines, vaccines, cleaning products, NexGard Plus for dogs and cats and other items. ARF estimated the value of the stolen supplies at between $15,000 and $18,000.
ARF said a second burglary the next day targeted lawn equipment, including a large Ryobi lawn mower, a Ryobi weed eater, large Ryobi batteries and a charger. Staff filed a police report and have been gathering camera footage to provide to investigators. During the May 20 incident, ARF said the suspect damaged a fence, broke into a trailer and stole items including a recently purchased window air unit, ice cream, dog crates used to transport animals for spay and neuter appointments, and copper from a light pole. ARF said the suspect also damaged security connections and left the trailer with a large opening.
Police said officers responded to each burglary, collected items left behind and obtained flash drives with video of the thefts. Investigators describe the suspect as a Black male with a slender build and medium complexion; his hair is unknown. ARF said the repeated break-ins have caused financial and emotional strain as the rescue continues caring for homeless, abandoned, abused, neglected, sick and injured dogs and cats. ARF is accepting donations via PayPal at [email protected] or by mail to ARF of MS, 395 W. Mayes St., Jackson, MS 39213. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477). This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
