Bienville Democrat copper theft

Copper tubing was pulled from the ground and cut behind the Bienville Democrat office building. (Photos courtesy: Brad Bennett)

ARCADIA, La. -- No arrest has been made in the theft of copper wire from several downtown Arcadia businesses last week. 

Bienville Democrat copper theft

Copper wire was cut behind the Bienville Democrat office building in Arcadia.

Business owners along North Railroad Avenue went to work last Monday to find their stores a bit warm -- all because someone stole copper tubing connected to air conditioning units over the previous weekend. In some instances, the thieves has to actually dig the copper out of the ground.

That's what happened to the Bienville Democrat office, where a 10-ft piece section was dug up and cut. 

And while some businesses were hit for their copper tubing, at least one business had its connections to the thermostats cut.

Donna Butler and Jennifer Hawkins, owners of Calico Corner, next door to Luigi’s, said it was frustrating that someone would do this, all for a few dollars while causing thousands of dollars in damages to several of the businesses, including theirs.

In a joint statement, they said, “It’s very disheartening to have this happen to your small business. We put everything into our business to try and provide, along with the other downtown businesses, a place for people to come and enjoy our beautiful downtown area, walk from store to store and shop with us. It took one night for someone to come and taken thousands from all of us. We just hope someone saw something or heard something and will come forward and let the police department know.”

Brad Bennett, owner of the old pharmacy downtown and The Bienville Democrat office, said he was upset that someone would do this.

“It’s frustrating to see hardworking business owners trying to make an honest living while thieves destroy and steal property without a second thought,” Bennett said. “Every dollar spent repairing this damage is money that could have gone to growing the business, supporting employees or serving customers. Actions like this affect real people, not just buildings and equipment.

He added, “For anyone considering targeting this property in the future, security cameras are in place, warning signs are posted and incidents will be reported and prosecuted. We will continue investing in protecting our business and our community.”

All of the business owners filed police reports with the Arcadia Police Department, but calls and texts to Chief of Police Ciera Murphy by the Democrat to learn the status of the investigation went unanswered.

If anyone has any information, contact the police department at 318-263-8456 or call the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-263-2215.