Athens, Georgia – known as a college town because it is home to the University of Georgia (and the eponymous rock group R.E.M.), has experienced a recent rash of thievery. As originally reported in the Athens Banner-Herald on Wednesday, October 21, thieves took property worth close to $4,000 from a Bogart woman's unit at Athens Self Storage, 140 Gaines School Road, between midnight Thursday, October 15 and 6:30PM on Monday, October 19, according to Athens-Clarke County police.
The victim, who arrived at her storage unit on Monday (October 19), found the padlock on the unit had been cut, and evidence that someone had taken a television, several (pool) cue sticks, a computer, leather chair, as well as a washing machine and clothes dryer.
Another burglary took place on Monday (October 19), involving the theft of antique heirloom furniture pieces from a home in the 100 block of South Rocksprings Street, as reported by the Athens-Clarke County police.
Additionally, a refrigerator valued at $2,000 was stolen from a home in the 700 block of Mitchell Bridge Road after thieves kicked in a side door sometime between 5PM on Sunday, October 19 and 3PM Monday, October 20. As of yet, no suspects have been identified, according to the police department.
Athens is generally considered to be a typical Southern "laidback" town, where culture peacefully coexists with the university students in creating not only an eclectic music scene, but a thriving art and intellectual environment as well. The city has multiple music venues, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops that cater to its creative climate and clientele.
Athens is also home to such notable features as the only remaining 1 of 2 double-barreled cannons (produced during the American Civil War), the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, and the beautiful University of Georgia Campus Arboretum.