ATLANTA – Police are searching for two suspects who used children to break into multiple cars at the Georgia Aquarium parking deck.
Since the end of June, Atlanta police spoke to various victims whose cars were broken into at the parking deck located at 225 Baker Street NW. Some items stolen included guns, laptops, and credit cards.
Atlanta Police told 11Alive there have been a total of ten car break-ins and in various reports, every car broken into had damage to its door locks. Police were not able to lift prints from the door each time.
Atlanta Police Department said the men could also face cruelty to children charges.
“That is very disturbing and that's one of the things that when we determined that the kids were in the back of the car that was a major blow. We did not know they were doing that,” said John Chapman, the Georgia Aquarium’s Director of Outsource Service.
Chapman is head of security for the aquarium and says since the crimes they have kept a closer eye on the parking deck area.
“Ever since we've been having this problem, we already had stepped up security and moved it up. We are 24/7 and security is constantly in the parking deck,” he mentioned. “Though I know this makes it appear that we may not be a safe place to come that is not at all true.”
Georgia Aquarium sent a statement to 11Alive saying they are working with police to investigate the break ins. The statement read in part:
“We take this matter and the safety of all our guests, staff, volunteers and animals very seriously. We have security cameras throughout our parking deck and a 24/7 security team to monitor our building, parking deck, and entrances and exits. As in all public spaces, we remind our guests to take or hide their valuables and to lock their vehicles.”
PHOTOS | Suspects in Georgia Aquarium car break-ins
Photos show the two men inside a dark-colored SUV. Police said the suspects made purchases with credit cards stolen from the vehicles at various metro-Atlanta stores.
Surveillance video from inside two Sam's stores show the men shopping, police say, with the stolen credit cards.
If you recognize the men, you are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or online at www.StopCrimeATL.com. Tipsters are eligible for a reward up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspects.
