Another power company in Georgia targeted by thieves

PALMETTO, Ga. - The same thieves who stole a dozen chainsaws from a power company trucks in Troup County may be responsible for a similar heist in Palmetto.

Officials with the Coweta-Fayette EMC located in Palmetto said the thieves could delay the power to be restored for thousands of customers the next time severe weather strikes.

The theft in Palmetto actually happened first, but details about the crime came out Wednesday. Surveillance video shows the burglar climbing down from a big bucket truck and then going through storage compartments in another.

Another camera actually captured two men crawling through a hole in a fence. They are later seen walking around the property together.

Police said the crime happened on Sunday, May 27, just after 11 p.m. The facility is located on Collinsworth Road.

In the video, investigators said one of the thieves is seen taking a roll of copper wire. But investigations said they also stole tools including chainsaws.

It’s very similar to what happened on June 9 at Diverse Power in Troup County. There, detectives said a thief can be seen on surveillance video snatching 23 chainsaws for power company trucks, tools that would be vital to restoring power after a weather emergency.

Investigators said it’s highly possible that the two break-ins are related. The two departments are now comparing notes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Palmetto Police Department or the Troup County Sheriff’s Office.

RELATED: Sheriff: Man stole over 20 chainsaws from power company