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North Gwinnett Co-Operative burglary video
Surveillance video released by the Gwinnett County Police Department from the North Gwinnett Co-Operative in Buford shows a male suspect forcing entry through a window around 6:30 a.m. on August 19. The footage captures the suspect moving inside the building and taking several hundred dollars in cash before leaving. Investigators later identified him as 38-year-old Lavan Hickman of Clarkston, who was already serving a work-release sentence for burglary.
BUFORD, Ga. - Gwinnett County police have arrested a man accused of breaking into the North Gwinnett Co-Operative last month and stealing cash from its thrift store.
What we know:
Investigators say 38-year-old Lavan Hickman of Clarkston forced his way inside the nonprofit’s Second Blessings Thrift Store on Commerce Drive around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 19.
Surveillance video shows him climbing through a broken window with his face partially covered, carrying a bag, and later leaving through a back door.
Police said he stole a petty cash box containing $280.60 along with two sales bags totaling about $521.
Lavan Hickman (L) was arrested in connection to the burglary of North Gwinnett Co-Operative (R) on Aug. 19, 2025. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office)
Hickman was already serving a work-release sentence at the Gwinnett County Correctional Institute for burglary convictions in 2024.
Police determined he walked away from the facility before carrying out the break-in. He is now facing new charges of burglary and second-degree criminal damage to property.
According to the incident report, an employee initially dismissed an alarm alert that morning, believing it was triggered by items falling inside the warehouse.
A co-worker later discovered the damage, including a broken office door and desk where cash was stored.
Crime scene investigators documented fingerprints and other evidence inside the building.
Why you should care:
The North Gwinnett Co-Op, which serves families in need, had earlier shared images of the suspect and said the theft took away resources for the community.
The thrift store briefly closed after the burglary but has since reopened.
The Source: The Gwinnett County Police Department provided the details for this article.