Blue Jean Bandits ~ They Wear What They Steal

Atlanta is known for being the home of the flashy.  Us ATLiens know what we want and we go get it….but lately a select group have made a name for themselves by snatching and grabbing high end jeans.  The media has dubbed the gang “Blue Jean Bandits” and they’ve been around for years.   You may think that stealing blue jeans is minor league, but these guys have entered into felony territory by not only targeting high-end jeans, but taking one-of-a-kind rhinestone studded hoodies, $12,000 belts, and designer shoes. The single biggest heist so far nabbed $145,000 from a Pearle Vision store on Lenox Road.

A friend of mine, Adrene Ashford has been targeted on more than one occasion at both of her locations.  Pieces of Adrene in East Atlanta and Adrene’s Boutique in Castleberry Hills.

Adrene says ~ “Being a new store, having hot merchandise, being a popular neighborhood — I knew they were watching, waiting for an opportunity,”  

“Who’s to say they’re not rubbing elbows with me at a party? For men, it’s all about having a good pair of jeans. If you have a pair of $350 jeans on, you’re in a certain category.”

As Adrene Boutique in Castleberry Hill prepared to close on June 2, a male customer stopped in, hunting for brand names — Rock & Republic, True Religion, Laguna Beach, all priced between $170 and $350 per pair. He left without buying.

He returned with two more men, grabbed three racks of clothes near the door, hopped into a gold Pontiac and sped away.

The vehicle of choice lately is mini-vans. Before, several witnesses and videos saw Toyota Avalons, Jeep Cherokees, Ford Tauruses and myriad SUVs.

The clerk could barely speak when she called owner Adrene Ashford, who also owns Pieces of Adrene in East Atlanta.

The store reopened as usual, with most of its stock missing. The clerk took a few weeks off. The police patrol the area regularly, and nearby businesses cast a watchful eye on the door. (Source)

Hold up Adrene!  I have to disagree with you.  If you have Good Credit you’re in a certain category…jeans alone don’t do it.  If you know how to shop, Couture clothing can be bought for the lo.  There are plenty of well dressed broke people round these here parts…Hell.  I’m one of ‘em! I just hope they catch these guys soon.  I hate to see hard working people suffer due to stupidity.