NATCHEZ — A recent string of burglaries has police following leads they hope end with the arrest of thieves that have hit at least four downtown businesses and houses in the past week.

Natchez Detective Jerry Ford said police are searching for at least two different suspects in the burglaries. He said one is targeting copper and other metal, and the other is breaking into residences and stealing valuables.

A house in the 500 block of North Pearl Street was burglarized Thursday. The thief reportedly stole a 42-inch television and a coin collection valued at $2,500.

Two air conditioning units were stolen from The Natchez Democrat office Monday night. The units were valued at approximately $6,000.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged William Ryan Magee, 21, 3901 Ridgewood Road, with breaking and entering Friday in connection with a third incident. Magee and Michael Justin Gray, 21, are accused of breaking into an Azalea Lane residence.

Magee is being held on a $5,000 bond.

Gray is still at large.

Ford said NPD is beefing up patrol in the downtown area because of the burglaries.

“We are stepping up patrol and doing what we can to apprehend (the burglars),” Ford said. “Any information the public can give us is certainly welcomed.”

Anyone with information about the burglaries should call NPD at 601-445-5565 or Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.