By Joe Johnson
Authorities are investigating a series of related church burglaries in Athens-Clarke and two metro-Atlanta counties in which the suspect wore a Batman costume.
According to Athens-Clarke County police, the burglar broke into Cornerstone Church on Lexington Road between 12:30 and 1 a.m. on March 3 and stole two Nord brand electronic keyboards with a total value of $6,000.
The same masked criminal also targeted churches in the Gwinnett County cities of Lawrenceville and Loganville, as well as churches in Holly Springs and Canton, both in Cherokee County.
"These burglaries all appear to have been committed by a black male wearing a Batman mask,” ACCPD said. “This masked perpetrator is usually completely covered, wears gloves, wears a head lamp, and uses an object, like a rock, to smash windows."
Police said the suspect drives to the churches in a Gray 2013 Hyundai Elantra.
Police issued an advisory concerning property crime during the current coronavirus outbreak:
“As we are sheltering at home and not gathering in large groups, please keep a look out at any property you may manage or own that you are currently not utilizing. (Churches, stores, etc.) Notify the Athens-Clarke County Police Department if you have any information and stay vigilant.”
Anyone having information about the identity of this burglar is urged to contact Athens-Clarke police Detective Jonathan Simms at jonathan.simms@accgov.com