The Selma Times-Journal

Two Monday break-ins of the Selma Information Center and the Selma Curb Market yielded more than $2,000 and have police in search of suspects.

George “Cap” Swift has been operating the Selma Information & Visitor’s Center for the past 20 years, and it’s been broken into three times as of late. In Monday’s latest burglary perpetrators broke a window to gain access and made off with more than $400 in cash.

Swift, a former Marine, said at 85 he’s gotten too old to confront anybody and has ruled out carrying a gun and hurting anybody. Nevertheless, he continued with his routine this week of sweeping the sidewalk and being of help to visitors. Even after being victimized Swift praised his hometown.

“People are pretty impressed with Selma,” Swift said. “They come here and they find out we’ve got five museums and a visitors center. Not many towns our size have five museums.”

Located at the town’s busiest intersection, Broad Street and Highland Avenue, Crossroads Visitor’s Center has maps, brochures, books, locally produced products and Swift – an advocate of the Queen City since before the Civil Rights Movement. He said he’s still optimistic of his town’s future.

Burglars broke into the Curb Market at 115 Highway 80 E., during the early morning hours on Monday, causing damage to the back store room door and the delivery room door, according to police reports. An air condition valued at $1,000 and two shovels estimated worth $70 were reported stolen.