Athens police searching for group of suspected wallet thieves

By Joe Johnson

Athens-Clarke County police are asking for the public's help identifying five people wanted in connection to a string of wallet thefts. The first incident took place on May 18 at a grocery store, according to police, who said the victim was followed inside where her wallet was stolen drom her shopping cart. Bank cards in the wallet were subsequently used to purchase gift cards and electronics.

Police said a few weeks later, a similar crime involving two men was reported by a local business owner. The owner told officers that upon entering the store, one of the men caused a distraction while the other went behind the counter and stole a wallet. The bank cards were also used to buy gift cards and electronics, p[olice said. Investigators believe the incidents may be related and are asking anyone with information to contact Officer Blake Manning at 762-400-7396 or lake.Manning@accgov.com.