Authorities suspect car theft ring operating out of Northeast GA

The Kia Sorento was stolen in Rabun County and found in Walhalla, SC. The Ford F-150 was stolen in Walhalla and found in Stephens County, GAPhoto byRabun County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

The Rabun County Sheriff’s Office says the two vehicles stolen over the weekend have been recovered.

The stolen Kia Sorento and Ford Escape were found wrecked and recovered in Walhalla, South Carolina. Immediately following those wrecks, a Ford F-150 was stolen in South Carolina and later located in Stephens County.

String of auto thefts

The recent thefts are among a string of auto thefts reported by law agencies across the region.

Rabun County sheriff’s investigators will host an intel meeting on Wednesday for all six agencies involved and the Mountain Judicial Circuit Juvenile prosecutor.

“We have persons of interest and are working together in a collaborative effort to share case files and evidence,” says Rabun County Sheriff’s Investigator Kevin Angell.

A map of where the auto thefts and burglaries occurred.Photo byRabun County Sheriff's Office/Facebook

Authorities released a map showing where the auto thefts and break-ins in Rabun County occurred. They also released security camera footage taken during the crimes in the pre-dawn hours of April 7.

“I am proud of the quick work by our investigators, the collaboration of six agencies in two states, and the partnership with our DA’s office,” says Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols.

Sheriff Nichols reminds automobile owners to secure all belongings. Do not leave personal belongings in vehicles and do not leave vehicles unlocked or with the keys left inside.

If you have any information on recent auto thefts and burglaries, please call 706-782-3612 or email contactus@rabuncounty.ga.gov. You can click here to submit an anonymous tip.