Vandals Putting Glue In Locks Of Dormont Businesses

DORMONT (KDKA) -- Over the past few weeks, four select businesses in Dormont have targeted by vandalism.

The owner of TJS Sports and Mini Mart on West Liberty Avenue told KDKA he received a rude welcome even before he opened for business.

"While we were painting the place and doing renovations, the first week we came in and there was dog poop on the steps, this was maybe three or four times in the first week," said Edward Phillips.

After the store opened for business, someone damaged his locks.

"We came in and someone had put silicon or glue inside our locks and we couldn't get into the store," Phillips said.

The vandal didn't stop there, less than half a block away, they committed the same crime at Moonstones and Metaphysical Haven on the corner of Potomac and West Liberty.

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"I got superglue in my locks three times three times now," said owner Amy Mokaricky.

A few doors away, Vera Shelton discovered that someone put glue in her locks at her mini mart.

"When I came in Monday the door was stuck and I couldn't get my key in, it wouldn't work," Shelton said.

Three African Americans owned businesses who just opened in the past month were targeted. Josh Maddox owns a barbershop along West Liberty Avenue.

Some of businesses can't help but think some of the vandalism is racially motivated

"We had a guy, late night, came through and superglued my lock and put some spray paint all over the doors and windows," Maddox said. "I think it's some racism stuff to be honest with you."

Vandalism caused the businesses several hundred dollars a piece.