Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarFrom left, Jeanne Calvert-Jones, Southern Accents Boutique owner; Becca Bryant, a store associate; and Bradee Prewitt, the assistant store manage; review the bracelets left behind in a jewelry case after a robbery during Saturday's power outage. 

Power outages caused by an EF-2 tornado that toppled trees and broke power lines lasted 27 hours at Southern Accents Boutique and Southern Business in Marion, more than enough time for burglars to break into the businesses and steal merchandise. 

“I’m just in shock,” said Jeanne Calvert-Jones, the co-owner of the two businesses. “It’s unbelievable that somebody would do that during a time like this.”

Calvert-Jones said the power went off at the stores, housed in the same building at 5685 Dale Drive, around 11 a.m. Saturday and wasn’t restored until 2 p.m. Sunday. Sometime during the blackout, thieves broke in through the back door, ransacked offices and made off with nearly an entire display case of Ronaldo designer bracelets. 

Not only did the store lose merchandise, but the building also suffered some damage from the storm and had to be repaired Monday. 

“We’re just trying to have faith and take it one minute at a time,” Calvert-Jones said. “It was just overwhelming to walk in and see that.”

Though the building had a security system, the burglary happened during the blackout. Calvert-Jones said they had photos but didn’t disclose more information. 

Marion Police Chief Randal Davis couldn’t be reached Monday for comment. 

Please call Crimestoppers at (855) 485-8417 to report any tips related to this case.