News Summary
Metro Atlanta families are facing a wave of storage unit burglaries, leading to significant losses and heightened concerns among residents. With many sharing heartbreaking stories of stolen possessions, law enforcement is urging victims to report missing items while they continue investigations. Recent arrests related to these crimes have highlighted a worrying trend in criminal activity, prompting the Atlanta Police Chief to remind unit renters to check their units more frequently as burglaries have increased by 3%.
Surge in Storage Unit Burglaries Shakes Metro Atlanta Families Amid Ongoing Investigations
Metro Atlanta families are facing a troubling wave of storage unit burglaries that has left many reeling. Across Fulton and DeKalb counties, victims are reporting significant losses, raising concerns over the safety and security of these storage facilities.
Heartbreaking Losses for Victims
One victim, who frequents the CubeSmart Self Storage in Mechanicsville, came to a horrifying realization. Upon visiting her unit, she found it had been broken into, and her collection of over 50 pairs of sneakers, valued at more than $10,000, were stolen. This incident marked the seventh break-in at the CubeSmart location within just three months of 2024, alarming both renters and authorities.
Another victim, a young woman with heartfelt emotional ties to her possessions, experienced a robbery at her Public Storage unit. Sentimental items, including handcrafted gifts and hard-earned family heirlooms, have vanished, adding insult to her losses.
Rising Concerns and Police Warnings
The escalating number of break-ins has led residents to question their security measures. The Atlanta Police Chief is advising renters to make it a habit to check their units more frequently, as burglaries in the city have seen a disturbing 3% increase recently.
Crackdown on Suspects
In response to this spike in thefts, law enforcement has made notable arrests. Two individuals, with previous offenses, are being held in connection with thefts at Extra Space Storage. During their arrest, they were found in possession of narcotics and burglary tools, highlighting a worrying trend in criminal activity.
Additionally, Gwinnett County police have apprehended two suspects linked to over 100 storage unit thefts. The investigation began when officers tracked a suspicious U-Haul, suspected of being involved in the break-ins.
A Timeline of Destruction
The first reported wave of burglaries at one facility occurred on December 4 and 6, resulting in over 60 units being compromised. Subsequent arrests were made regarding an additional 55 units, with two suspects being charged with multiple counts of burglary.
Reclaiming Lost Possessions
Fortunately, around $20,000 worth of stolen power tools have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners, offering a glimmer of hope for those affected by the thefts.
A Call to Action for Victims
Authorities are urging anyone who believes they may have fallen victim to these burglaries to come forward and report missing items. Providing tips could help in apprehending the suspects and restoring a sense of security in the community. It is crucial for families to stay vigilant as investigations continue in this troubling chapter for metro Atlanta.
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
