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Downtown Missoula shops hit by vandalism, burglaries over holidays

Posted at 4:29 PM, Dec 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-28 18:51:09-05

MISSOULA – Three downtown Missoula businesses are reporting being hit by several incidents of vandalism and possibly burglaries over the holiday week.

Lake Missoula Tea Companyand Market on Front reported vandalism to their business that happened around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Smooch Cosmetic Boutique also told KPAX that someone burglarized their shop sometime on Dec. 15.

Lake Missoula Tea Co. posted on their Facebook page that they received a call Christmas morning that their shop had been broken in to, saying someone threw a rock at their front window and vandals went for the cash register.

We got a call Christmas morning that our shop had been broken in to. Someone threw a rock at our front window and went…

Posted by Lake Missoula Tea Company on Wednesday, December 26, 2018

“As unfortunate and heart breaking as this is, we’re moving forward! We’re still resuming our normal hours starting today. We’re bummed but we know we have a great community out there to support us. Great tea stops for no inconvenience!”

Market on Front was also vandalized over the holidays. They posted on their Facebook page that someone attempted to break into the restaurant through their rooftop HVAC unit.

MOF noted this behavior resembles similar activity that happened at Smooch Cosmetic Boutique, who told KPAX that they

Missoulians,Market on Front was vandalized very extensively over the holidays. Someone attempted to break into our…

Posted by Market on Front on Friday, December 28, 2018

“We are working diligently to get everything patched up. Unfortunately and heartbreaking as this is we will move forward! Missoula is the best community let’s keep an eye out for one another.”

The Missoula Downtown Association asks residents and businesses to be vigilant over this holiday season and to call 9-1-1 if something suspicious occurs. For non-emergencies during business hours, the MDA is asking people to call Missoula Police Officer Randy Krastel at 406-396-3188.