News 12 at 11, August 26, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It's hard to picture someone pulling up to this house and stealing a truck load of appliances. But investigators believe that's exactly what happened here on Coleman Avenue in Augusta.

"Thats outrageous. That's terrible now that not only do you have to lock up your personal items, but also kitchen appliances," Tracee Caldwell said.

Tracee Caldwell lives next door and never saw any activity. The incident report says two suspects backed a truck into this driveway and took a dining room table, a box of dishes, a washing machine, and a dryer.

"I mean who really would have the time, but I guess they do. To actually back up to somebody's house and take a refrigerator, stove, or oven. That's gotten ridiculous," Caldwell said.

Richmond County Investigators say they've seen an increase in stolen appliances in the South Augusta area, but it's mainly houses under construction.

"It is very bold, and we catch them like that all the time. I don't know if it's arrogance on their part or if they think they're not going to go to jail. But it happens a lot," Lt. Tony Walden said.

Investigators are working with construction companies, and they're taking measures not to put air conditioners, stoves, dishwashers and other appliances in a house until it is actually sold. And they need you to be on the look-out too.

Lt. Walden says the appliances that are in these houses are probably not being sold for scrap metal, instead he believes they're selling these items on the street.