By Ashley Silver
NEWNAN, Ga. — A recent theft attempt was foiled by Coweta County deputies at a local Home Depot after authorities discovered several bins filled with stolen merchandise in two minivans.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, a Newnan police officer identified suspicious behavior and followed the individuals to their vehicles. Upon closer investigation, police discovered several bins filled with stolen equipment, tools and batteries totaling more than $9,000.
“The individuals who put the items in the totes, sealed the totes, put them in a shopping cart and then go by all points of sale. Once they go past all points of sale, they would run to their vehicles, put the totes in their vehicles, and then flee the area,” Coweta County Sheriff’s Deputy Antonio Vives told FOX 5 Atlanta.
Detectives have also linked the five suspects to several other Home Depot thefts across the country with more than $300,000 in equipment stolen.
“So, there were two mini vans, each minivan had two individuals in it, and there was also one individual who was identified as a sort of ring leader, who went out and identified what objects he wanted stolen. And the other four individuals would put the items in the totes and they would actually commit the theft,” Vives said.
Alfonso Matias Vega has been identified as the leader of the theft ring and is wanted in numerous states. All five suspects were charged with felony shoplifting.