Sheriff: Man stole over 20 chainsaws from power company

TROUP COUNTY, Ga. - A thief is caught on camera ripping off almost two dozen chainsaws from power company trucks in Troup County. Investigators said it’s the kind of crime that on a bad weather night could delay getting the power back on for thousands of people and worse put lives at risk.

Surveillance video shows a thief stealing handfuls of chainsaws during a break-in June 9 inside a secured lot at Diverse Power's location on South Davis Road. The man was wearing a mask and carrying heavy-duty bolt cutter.

The thief is seen going from truck to truck and removing the more than 20 chainsaws. These are the big bucket trucks that respond to power outages during a weather emergency. Investigators said not having a chainsaw onboard could have serious consequences for the power company and its customers.

“This is the time of year that we are getting those thunderstorms,” said Smith.

He said without the proper tools to clear trees and limbs from power lines that customers could be in the dark for longer without electricity.

Thief struck at the main office of Diverse Power on at 4:22 a.m. on the June 9. He also stole a pickup truck to make his getaway. That was later recovered in Grantville.

Anyone with more information about this crime, please let the Troup County Sheriff's Office know at (706) 883-1616 or by calling Crime Stoppers at (706) 812-1000.