Burglaries in Athens Leave Welding Equipment Suppliers Out of Business: A Tragic Loss for the Community
Recently, two businesses in Athens that sell welding equipment have been targeted by thieves, resulting in significant losses. The first burglary happened at Airgas on Commerce Road, where $3,000 worth of welding helmets were stolen. The second incident occurred at Athens Gas and Welding Supply on Winterville Road, with the thieves making off with almost $7,000 worth of equipment.
In the most recent burglary at Athens Gas and Welding Supply, the police discovered that a fence surrounding the business had been cut and a door was damaged to gain entry. Surveillance footage showed that one person entered the building and stole three welding machines and five welding hoods, among other items. The burglary took place just before 11 p.m., and the thief left the scene shortly after 11:20 p.m.
The suspect was described as a tall individual, around 6-foot-6, with a slender build. He was wearing a hoodie, bandana, gloves, and boots to conceal his identity. As the investigation continues, there are no clear motives for targeting welding equipment specifically, and it is uncertain whether the same person is responsible for both burglaries.
An Athens-Clarke police detective has reached out to a third local business that sells welding supplies to alert them about the recent thefts. The affected businesses have also informed other similar businesses in the surrounding counties about the incidents. If anyone has information related to the thefts
