Thieves smashed in glass window panes in businesses located at the Leland Business Center sometime during the night of March 11th - 12th, stealing computers, portable radios and cash. The businesses that were hit in the poorly lit area were the Leland Copy Center and Bella's Boutique, a retail clothing store specializing in school uniforms and clothing.Though material items were taken and substantial damage received at the businesses, the damage, according to one employee at Bella's, goes further then that. What they are most upset about is more then just the material loss, for Bella's is more then just a retail clothing store. Bella's also offers services to children that may have problems at school, home or in just dealing with being children. They provide counseling and assistance with juvenile coping skills, such as anger issues or problems with school work. Beyond the retail store, there are several rooms designed to allow kids to work together on team-building and problem-solving projects, providing a place to speak to certified counselors and help both children and parents identify possible behavioral problems. Many students are referred to Bella's by other social workers and programs.
"We'll fix the damage and replace the clothes, toys and other items taken. It just hurts to think people would do something like this when we have the community's best interests at heart."
Often we forget about the victims and don't remember how crimes can impact people more then just a callous disregard for someone else's property. Sometimes, it impacts people more then just replacing material goods, as with Bella's.
Detectives are aggressively investigating this case. If anyone has information concerning this crime, please contact the Leland Police Department.
