Men Stole $4,000 In Gift Cards From Home Depot

NORCROSS, GA — Gwinnett County Police are searching for four men they say stole more than $4,000 worth of activated, prepaid gift cards from a Home Depot.

The theft was reported by a cashier shortly before 5 p.m. on January 15 at the store at 4136 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross.

But, while the cashier initially reported a robbery, he has since admitted to helping his friends steal the gift cards. He was arrested for false report of a crime and theft by taking on January 24, police said.

Investigators have since learned that the cards were used to get cash at several Publix grocery stores in DeKalb County.

The crime is similar in nature to several either perpetrated or attempted by what police believe was card fraud ring operating in and around Atlanta in December.

In one instance, a cashier was accused of loading at least 24 gift cards with $1,000 each, but not charging a patron for them. Police said the tactic had been used in at least one other theft attempt.

The Norcross suspects are described only as four black males, ranging from 5'9"-5'11" and weighing from 140-170 pounds. One of them was wearing a camouflage jacket and another was wearing a Ramones jacket, police said.

The are believed to have been traveling in a gold or beige Mercedes Benz passenger car.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Gwinnett County Police detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters may contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers website.

They may also text tips to "CRIMES." (274637)

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department