Database search helps solve $56K metals theft in Auburn
![a7a3d1ba-Richard Rowland mug_1483542868201.jpg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox5atlanta.com/www.fox5atlanta.com/content/uploads/2019/09/764/432/Richard20Rowland20mug_1483542868201_2492377_ver1.0_640_360.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
AUBURN, Ga. - Barrow County authorities are crediting the use of a metals theft deterrent database with helping them to solve a $56,000 theft in Auburn.
According to a press release, an investigation into the theft of expensive high capacity generator batteries led officials to search 50-year-old Richard Rowland's name in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Secondary Metals Recyclers (SMR) Database.
The search showed that Rowland sold numerous stolen items to a local salvage yard. The database also provided authorities with his picture, a copy of his ID card and images of the stolen items sold.
As a result, Rowland was arrested and charged with theft related offenses.
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