Jackson animal shelter says repeated break-ins cost as much as $18,000

The Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi said three break-ins at its Jackson shelter over the past week resulted in the theft of medicines, vaccines, cleaning supplies and equipment and the loss of as much as $18,000, the organization and Mississippi Today reported.

The first break-in occurred May 13, the shelter said. Entergy crews installed security lights on the property the following day, but the shelter reported another theft later in the week in which lawn equipment — including a large mower, a string trimmer, large batteries and a charger — was taken, ARF said in social posts and police reports described by Mississippi Today.

ARF said a third break-in the next day involved damage to the fence and security connections to a trailer. The shelter reported the theft of a window air-conditioning unit, ice cream from a break room used by volunteer inmates, and crates used to transport animals. The organization also said a suspect dug a roughly 4-foot hole around a light pole in an apparent attempt to steal copper wiring and that burglars used cardboard to bypass razor wire, according to the shelter and accompanying photographs published by Mississippi Today.

Founder and Director Elizabeth Jackson told Mississippi Today that a burglar initially gained access by climbing a sycamore tree near the main entrance. After shelter staff cut back the limbs, the intruder began cutting through the fence and razor wire, she said. Jackson also said many of the stolen items had been kept under lock and key.

ARF, a no-kill shelter at 395 Mayes St., said it houses more than 300 dogs and nearly 100 cats and relies solely on donations, grants and volunteers. The shelter said its social media posts have not reported any physical harm to animals during the break-ins.

The shelter has filed three police reports and turned over security camera footage, ARF said. Jackson Police Department released surveillance footage of a suspect Wednesday and took fingerprints at the scene, ARF said; no arrests had been reported by Friday. ARF praised JPD’s recent handling of the case in a Facebook post and asked anyone with information to contact JPD at 601-960-1800 or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477), the shelter said.

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