LAUREL —
The cigarette bandits have struck again!
An undisclosed amount of Newport cigarettes and cigars were reportedly stolen from Keith Superstore in Moselle shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday. Another similar robbery took place at a convenience store in Perry County hours before.
According to law enforcement officials, at least eight convenience store burglaries involving the theft of tobacco products have occurred in the Pine Belt area in recent weeks.
Officials with the Laurel, Sandersville and Bay Springs police departments; Jasper County Sheriff’s Department, and other law enforcement agencies in other surrounding agencies are currently searching for the suspects in a string of early morning burglaries.
Since July 1, cigarette bandits have hit convenience stores in Jones and Jasper counties, as well as the towns of Columbia and Petal.
Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge said deputies responded to an alarm at the Moselle store and upon arrival discovered that glass in the store’s front door was broken out. Deputies then noticed that an undisclosed amount of cigarettes and cigars had been taken from the counter.
“A review of the store’s video surveillance revealed that there appeared to be three suspects involved in the burglary,” said Sgt. Scott Sims, an investigator with the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. “One suspect stayed outside, and the other two suspects entered the store.
“The first suspect was allegedly wearing all black with a blue bandana on his face. The second suspect was dressed with a gray sweat shirt, dark pants, and a blue bandana on his face,” added Sims. “The suspects stayed in the store for approximately two minutes before exiting through the front door to the parking area to what appeared to be a small vehicle with the headlights turned off.”
Sims said the video is being sent to the crime lab for analysis.
Hodge is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects involved in this burglary. Anyone having information should contact the Investigations Department at 601-425-3147 or Jones County Crime Stoppers by dialing 601-428-7867.
Citizens may also leave tips on the Sheriff’s Department Web site at www.jonesso.com
Local News
Cigarette Bandits strike again
Hit Moselle, Perry Co. convenience stores
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