Desoto County is sending a clear message to criminals with a new law, according to the Mayor of Southaven. The law has been effective in making them think twice before coming to the area.
Mayor Darren Musselwhite’s message from back in August remains relevant today.
Mayor Musselwhite issued a stern warning to those who are planning to vandalize retail centers and steal from cars, stating that fleeing to Memphis won’t be a safe option anymore. “We are going to change that for you,” he declared, emphasizing the city’s determination to pursue and bring culprits to justice.
Mississippi has passed a law aimed at cracking down on shoplifting by imposing stricter penalties and longer jail sentences for thieves.
He said that this approach would provide a more straightforward route to imprisonment, which would ultimately convey a more powerful message to individuals who engage in shoplifting.
Governor Tate Reeves has signed Mississippi’s House Bill 438 into law, which Mayor Musselwhite has confirmed. As per the new law, shoplifting will now be considered a felony if the value of the stolen items exceeds $1,000 or if it is the third offense of $1,000 or less.
According to the Mayor, the recent rise in smash and grab incidents across the country has prompted the need for proactive measures in Desoto County. It is crucial to send a strong message that such criminal activities will not be tolerated in the area. The authorities are determined to take a firm stance against such behavior and ensure that the community remains safe and secure.
Musselwhite is determined to prevent crime in his city and is taking steps to crack down on it. He is confident that with his efforts, crime will not prevail under his watch.
In an effort to improve public safety, Southaven initiated Operation Close the Door last year. The operation involved deploying additional officers to the Stateline and increasing the police budget.
Mayor Musselwhite declared, “We’ll be waiting for you at the state line if you decide to make a run for it.”
