LAWTON Okla_ Lou the Moose was vandalized outside Lulu's Coffee and Bagel House again. This time, it was all caught on camera.
Surveillance footage shows a car and SUV pulling into the parking lot of the Lawton coffee shop on Cache Road near Northwest 31st at about 5:00 am Tuesday. It shows two young women approaching the store's mascot. One took off the Santa hat, and the other took the coat.
Back in October, a group of people climbed on Lou, breaking off one of his antlers. In early December, vandals made off with the other antler.
Denise Scarbrough said she's not only upset about what happened this morning, but the last two acts of vandalism as well. She said Lou is more than just a statue of a moose, he represents her dream.
"Their intentions were nothing but malicious," Scarbrough said. "I feel that people just aren't respecting something that is coming to Lawton, trying to bring a different take or a feel or a different look."
Scarbrough says 15 years ago, she dreamt of running a coffee shop like she does today. A military wife, she said some of her best memories were the four years her family spent in Alaska. She wanted to bring a piece of that to Lawton, and Lou is that connection.
"I wanted the little log cabin with the tin roof," Scarbrough said. "I wanted the Alaskan feel. I also needed something out on Cache Road since we were sitting so far back that would draw attention, and that moose did it."
Scarbrough said while breaking off Lou's antlers and stealing his holiday cheer may be fun and games to some, it's a reminder to her.
"This is a small business," Scarbrough said. "I put my entire life savings into this business.
She has a message for those who continue to attempt to tear that dream down.
"I hear so much about Lawton beautification and I'm also part of the Lawton citizens for economic growth," Scarbrough said. "We want to see target come and look good. We want to see downtown built and look presentable. This is going to deter people from trying something different or bringing something nice to Lawton, because they don't want that to happen to them."
Scarbrough says despite the recent attacks on Lou, she won't stop her plans of opening up more coffee and bagel shops, with more Lous standing outside to attract business.
If you have any information on either of these vandalism cases, call Crimestoppers at 355-info or text the word "bust" to the number 274637, along with your tip.
