7 ACCUSED OF THEFTS, BURGLARIES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A man and six juveniles have been taken into custody for thefts and property damage totaling over $200,000, police said.

James Groom, 34, of Sikeston has been arrested and charged with second-degree burglary for his role in at least seven local burglaries, police said.

The arrests came after a six-month investigation into a series of burglaries, vandalism and arsons occurring over several years.

Groom and the juveniles are believed to be responsible for burglaries at C&F Foods and Sikeston Seed, where $88,000 and $35,000 in thefts and property damage were reported respectively. Police said they also have found connections between the suspects and four arsons, more burglaries, and vandalism at the Sikeston Cemetery, Lewis Furniture, Lewis Bakery, Rachel's Place and Houchins Donuts.

The youths have been turned over to the Scott County juvenile office, police said.