Atlanta Police Arrest More Than 40 In Auto Theft Sweep

March 27th, 2012

A joint investigation by Atlanta police and the Fulton County District Attorney’s office has led to the arrests of more than 40 car thieves since Monday.

Local authorities say they are on an offensive aimed at cutting down a new trend in local auto thefts.

Atlanta Police Lieutenant Richard Mason says usually car thieves target newer vehicles. However, Mason says more criminals are taking advantage of state law and now going after older ones.

“One of the causes is a vehicle that is 12 years or older can be taken to salvage yard and be sold as scrap metal without a title,” said Mason.

They do this by forging a bill of sale and a state title cancelation form. In turn, thieves get between $400-$700 for the car.

But Mason says new coordination between local law enforcement and the salvage yards is leading to more car recoveries and arrests. Called Operation Heavy Metal, the joint effort has traced 300 car thefts, leading to 96 indictments in Fulton County.

Mason hopes it sends a message to would-be thieves.

“You can steal a car and you can sell it and get instant gratification by a check, but it doesn’t mean you won’t pay the price soon after by being arrested for it.”

Last year, more than 2000 cars were stolen in the city of Atlanta, with only 500 recoveries. Lieutenant Mason says they are on pace this year to at least double the number of recoveries.