Thieves raid storage units in Lawrenceville

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Thieves hit a Lawrenceville storage unit damaging more than 40 units, according to police. At least seven victims have reported items stolen, but police expect that number to grow as more customers learn of the burglary.

The gate at Cubesmart Self-Storage e on Buford Highway is again working, but Billy Bellew said it wasn’t the night of the burglary Bellew is one of the victims of the storage units raid.

Crooks tossed his furniture around, and he lost two dirt bikes. All the thieves left behind was the kick stand.

“The gate was broken and they left it wide open, clearly negligent. What happened could have been avoided. And I think they’re responsible,” said Bellew.

Cubesmart wouldn’t comment on the incident.

The thieves got away with thousands of dollars’ worth of tools and lawn equipment and Lawrenceville Police Captain Gregory Vaughn knows that list will grow.

“We are actively working these cases so if there is more victims out there, we’d like to hear from them,” said Capt. Vaughn.

That was the case Tuesday as more victims showed up to the storage unit. Police aren’t sure how the thieves pulled this off yet.

Captain Vaughn said anyone with a storage unit needs to check it, and invest in it.

“I would go to a local hardware store or home center and get one of the best locks you can possibly get. There’s locks that are hard to cut off with bolt cutters. There are some that are more secure than others,” said the captain.

For Bellew, he said he just assumed he was safe with the gates. He has rented here three years, but that may change.

“After we deal with this loss, we will make the decision whether or not we stay or go. They’re good people. They’ve done things well in the past, but I’m not sure I want to stick around,” said Bellew.

Lawrenceville police are asking for the public’s help in solving the crime.