MEIGS — A bespectacled thief came prepared for the haul of cigarettes he would make at a Meigs convenience store early Thursday morning, according to authorities.

As soon as the burglar approached the store about 2 a.m., an alarm sounded. From his home, the store owner was able to watch store video of activity at the business and called 911.

The suspect threw a brick through a window at the East Depot Street business and stole a large quantity of cigarettes, said Capt. Tim Watkins ThomasCounty Sheriff’s Office chief investigator.

“He brings in a sheet, loads them up and takes them out of the store,” Watkins said.

Deputies responding to the 911 call arrived two minutes after the burglar left. Watkins said heavy rain hampered officers’ response time.

The suspect wore jeans, boots, a hoodie, a glove on one hand and glasses over a ski mask.

Watkins said the bandit was most likely stealing the cigarettes to sell. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820