Two arrested in Athens Hwy. metal theft

GAINESVILLE - Hall County authorities made two arrests Wednesday in a metal theft, a practice that is on the rise in the area.

Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks with the Hall County Sheriff's Department said two Gainesville men are charged with burglary after they were caught with stolen metal items in the back seat of their pick-up truck. He said metal thefts are on the rise.

"The prices of most all scrap metals have gone up," said Wilbanks. "The criminal element has gotten word of that and they see that as an opportunity for them."

This latest theft happened at a vacant house in the 2400 block of Athens Highway. The suspects have been identified as Michael John Weber, 27, and Leslie Lynn Burtch, 38.

Burtch also is being held on an outstanding arrest warrant from Lumpkin County, according to Wilbanks.

The recovered metal items were returned to the property owner.