In an unexpected turn of events, a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Georgia has been targeted by thieves making off with a substantial amount of used cooking oil. The stolen loot is reportedly valued at around $2,000, according to Fox News.
The audacious theft took place in Clarke County where the unidentified culprits managed to siphon off hundreds of gallons of used cooking oil, as reported by WSB Radio. The Athens-Clarke County Police are currently on the hunt for the two suspects who remain at large.
The heist didn’t just happen once, it’s been a recurring issue. Over the past few months, the Chick-fil-A restaurant has seen its storage tanks hit at least four times, each time losing around 700 to 800 gallons of cooking oil, as mentioned by Online Athens.
This peculiar crime raises questions about what one would do with such large quantities of used cooking oil. Interestingly, used cooking oil has become a hot commodity in recent years due to its potential use in biofuel production. However, there is no concrete evidence linking this theft to biofuel industry.
As per the report by USA Today, the alleged thief reportedly dressed up in an attempt to blend with the surroundings, perhaps in a bid to mislead any potential witnesses. It seems even fast food restaurants are not immune to the ever-evolving tactics of modern day criminals.
Chick-fil-A, a fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, has long been favored by conservatives in the United States. This affinity can be attributed to the restaurant’s traditional values, including being closed on Sundays, which aligns with many conservative religious beliefs. Moreover, the chain’s past support for organizations that oppose same-sex marriage resonated with some conservative groups. However, recent efforts by the company to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion policies have stirred controversy, with some conservatives accusing Chick-fil-A of becoming “woke” and even calling for boycotts, as reported by sources like The New York Times and Vox.
This series of thefts serves as a stark reminder that no business is safe from criminal activity, not even those serving delicious chicken sandwiches. As the police continue their investigation, Chick-fil-A may need to consider stepping up their security measures, especially around their used cooking oil storage tanks.
