The manager of a Chick-fil-A in Georgia is frustrated with repeated thefts of used peanut oil, totaling at least 700 gallons each month, taken from the store’s dumpster.
According to a police report filed by the store’s manager, the thieves have made off with between 700 and 800 gallons of cooking oil, valued at approximately $2,000. The most recent incident occurred around 3 a.m. on October 5th at the Chick-fil-A on Atlanta Highway in Athens, before the oil could be recycled, as reported by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
According to Fox, Lieutenant Jody Thompson of the police department noted that oil theft, sometimes referred to as “yellow grease,” is unfortunately not uncommon. He mentioned, “[Chick-fil-A staff] noticed that a lock had been tampered with at the back gate, where the grease trap is located. It was then discovered that several hundred gallons of oil had been stolen. This time, the thieves rented a U-Haul and managed to siphon out several thousand dollars’ worth of oil.”
The manager informed the police that a truck pulled up to the dumpster, and two individuals disembarked to pilfer the oil, though it remains uncertain if the incident was captured on surveillance footage.
Lt. Thompson explained that the stolen oil has value, as it can be refined and sold or used as a fuel source. There are various markets where recyclers can make use of this oil.
In a press release from the Department of Homeland Security, it was noted that restaurants often sell their used oil to biodiesel companies. This statement came after a group stole $3.9 million in cooking oil from multiple eateries across three states in 2019.
The Chick-fil-A in Georgia has fallen victim to these oil thieves four times now, with the thefts occurring on a monthly basis. The store has reportedly replaced two heavy-duty locks, each valued at around $70, at least twice due to these incidents.
When contacted by Fox News Digital, the manager and staff of the Athens restaurant declined to comment, and Chick-fil-A’s public relations team could not be reached for an immediate response.
Police are seeking assistance from the public in capturing these thieves who target fast-food establishments. Lt. Thompson encouraged residents to report any suspicious activity, saying, “Large vehicles like U-Hauls should not be near restaurants during the early morning hours.”