Atkinson County Sheriff David Moore says metal thieves are running rampant in his county, and deputies are out looking for the criminals. Moore says that observant citizens are key to the capture of these thieves who destroy thousands of dollars worth of property to gain a few dollars from recyclers.
Moore says Satilla REA reporting that someone had even stolen wire off the power transmission lines on Kirkland Pond Rd. and Lige Rd.
A farmer on Old Douglas Rd. found someone had tried to steal the wire off a pivot, a dangerous undertaking that easily could lead to injury or death.
The next day a farmer in Mora reported 2,000 feet of irrigation pipe missing off his farm.
A farmer near Pearson reported the theft of some parts off some antique equipment. A dust chain off a sawmill and a block setter. Both items are irreplaceable and the theft is very upsetting.
"The risks these "scrappers" take and the things they sometimes take is disturbing. They comb the streets and back roads looking for something to take," said Moore.
Moore said the public has helped many times to solve crimes in the past and they should call 912-422-3611.
On Monday they arrested suspected metal thieves Jose Juarez, Virgilio Juarez, and Gregory Boyett for Criminal Trespass, Theft by Taking, and Theft of Government Property. They are being held in Atkinson county Jail awaiting a bond hearing.
Moore credits an observant and courageous public for this arrest. "We usually do not recommend direct intervention by the public. These people are sometimes dangerous and are capable of many things in order to evade capture. Keep the information coming and we will continue to put these guys behind bars."
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