Vandals have struck downtown Shreveport with two attacks just days apart. The first one happened last week, in which at least two businesses had their windows smashed. The second attack happened late Sunday night [November 12], and into the early morning hours of Monday.
This time the vandals hit 10 downtown businesses. And with the damage matching that of the first attack, authorities strongly suspect it involves the same people. Most of the businesses are on Texas Street, with a few on the next street over to the north, Travis Street.
This vandalism is taking place just as downtown Shreveport has seen more growth in terms of businesses and renters moving in. You will more than likely come across that same perspective when spending a little time walking around downtown and meeting people.
Over at Setting the Standard Barbering Academy, on the far west end of Texas, you may meet Phillip Daniel. The academy has no damage to it. Daniel and his colleagues are hoping to keep it that way; especially when you consider the long-term consequences. Daniel suspects the vandals have no idea.
Daniel and others hope awareness of crimes like these might lead Shreveport Police to increase the number of officers on patrol downtown in the evening and overnight hours. Police presence is a common subject as your walk around the core of the city.
Just down the street, you’re likely to see Chris and Katy Rhodes. They specialize in what their store is named,
[Appli-Ks] Embroidery & Gifts. It’s a niche business readymade for the holiday season. Chris and Katy tell us they did have one of their windows broken but say it must have been a small projectile that pierced the glass, making a small hole, but breaking the glass nonetheless.
The Rhodes say they’re picking up the pieces and won’t let some vandals derail their long-term plans, just as downtown Shreveport sees progress. “It’s coming alive even more. We’re seeing a revitalization, we’re seeing a renaissance if you will, a revolution in downtown right now,” says Chris Rhodes, “there [are] more properties being leased, snagged up, and more innovation and businesses opening than I’ve ever seen.” Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux tells Red River Radio News that he wants to meet privately with downtown business owners first, before saying or doing anything else to address the situation.
