Investigation Continues Into Royston Auto Theft

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Lavonia

The investigation continues into the theft of two cars from Tri-County Chevrolet in Royston.

Now, authorities say it may be connected to other burglaries in the area.

Royston Police, along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, are asking for the public’s help to locate a 1956 Black and Chrome Chevy Belair and a 2015 Orange Dodge Challenger with a black racing stripe.

According to Royston Police Chief Donnie Boleman, the cars were taken sometime over the Christmas holiday weekend.

“The County is working multiple burglaries as well and we’re not sure if they’re all linked together at this time,” Boleman said Monday afternoon. “We are pulling video footage and trying to piece everything together.”Anyone with information leading to the location of the vehicles or with information about the suspect or suspects who took the cars, is asked to contact Franklin County 911, Royston Police at 706-245-6195 or your local law enforcement office.

Tri-County Chevrolet is offering a $10,000 reward for the return of two stolen vehicles and the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved.

Meanwhile, the burglary at the dealership was not the only one over the weekend.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas, a number of burglaries took place in that same area.

“The Franklin County Sheriff’s department is working several burglaries from over the weekend in the Royston/Franklin Springs area,” Thomas said. “Most are in the Dovetown Road area. We are also assisting the Royston Police Department with their vehicle theft at Tri-County Chevrolet. Anyone with information regarding any of these burglaries is asked to contact either the Royston Police Department or the Franklin County Sheriff’s office.”

Again, those numbers to call with any tips or information on the suspect or suspects involved in these burglaries are 706-245-6195 for the Royston Police Department or 706-384-2525 for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

You do not have to give your name. However, you will have to provide your name in order to receive the reward money should your information lead to an arrest and recovery of the stolen cars.