Police Beat

A burglar alarm thwarted an attempted break-in at the Quick Stop on the corner of Mallory Street and South Center overnight. A window air conditioner unit was damaged as it was removed in an effort to gain entry into the building.

Thomaston police arrested Steve Epps, Russell McBerry and Shanton Lowery. The three are charged with burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. Bond was set for Epps at $15,000.

A contractor working on a job site at 3748 Barnesville Highway has reported a Takeuchi skid steer (similar to the one pictured) stolen. Patmac Contractors of Grayson, Georgia had rented several pieces of equipment from H & E Equipment Service in Decatur and was not aware that the $50,000 tractor had not already been picked up by H & E until contacted by them last week. Patmac is not certain when the theft actually occurred.

The Crest Side Grill at 5016 Highway 74 west reported that a breaker box for their air conditioner unit had been removed and a residence at 245 Apple Drive had their A/C unit dismantled in an apparent effort to remove the copper. Two antique guitars valued at $50 and three John Deere Tractors for children valued at $90 were take from 1718 Yatesville Highway.

Thomaston police officers have arrested Thomas Dale Mercer, 31, of 101 Avenue J and charged him with the theft of a large pack of bacon from the West Village Retirement Home on West Goodrich Avenue. Mercer was spotted sitting under a gazebo at the Greatest Generation Park and told officers he took the bacon because he was hungry.

Investigators are also working cases involving the theft of lawn equipment valued at $250 at 116 Griffin Avenue and a window air conditioner valued at $160 taken at 112 G Loop.