It’s been almost two weeks since three men allegedly drove a stolen church van into the front of a southwest Atlanta store and helped themselves to merchandise.
In a matter of seconds, the three suspects swiped 30 shirts, 10 pairs of pants and five pairs of shoes before leaving in the van through smashed glass, Atlanta police said. Today, police released surveillance video of the smash-and-grab burglary to help identify the suspects.
Shortly after 3 a.m. April 25, police were called to the City G.E.A.R. store at 3030 Headland Road and arrived to find the front of the store smashed, according to an incident report. Surveillance cameras in the store and a nearby grocery store captured the crimes, which involved a white van with "International Ministries 2000" on the side.
Video released today shows the van driving through the glass doors of the store, three men jumping out and grabbing various items, and the van leaving about a minute later.
The van had been stolen from a church on County Line Road in Atlanta, according to police. It was later found in the 2900 block of Campbellton Road, police said.
During the investigation into the smash-and-grab, Atlanta police learned of a similar crime committed about three hours earlier in Habersham County, also involving a church van with “International Ministries 2000” on the side. Habersham County is about 95 miles northeast of Atlanta.
In that case, approximately 20 handguns were taken in a smash-and-grab burglary at a pawn shop, according to Atlanta police.
Atlanta officers continue to work with Habersham police to solve the crimes, which are believed to be related, Officer John Chafee said today. The three suspects could be linked to additional crimes, he said.
Anyone with information on the incident or the suspects is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
About the Author
