FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. (WAFF) – Deputies in Lincoln County are looking for a man they say stole pieces of art work from a local wood carving business.
The owners of Elk River Carving Co. said they caught the crime on camera.
At roughly 6 a.m. Tuesday, the owners of Elk River Carving caught this man stealing from their business in Fayetteville.
The man can be seen on surveillance footage parking his truck near the storefront, selecting four pieces of artwork, loading them in his truck, and driving.
Owner Terrie Phillips said this is the second time she has caught this same man stealing from her business. She says he made away with a large eagle statue in January.
“I think the first time was during the ice storm so it was very easy for him. I don’t know if he just felt comfortable coming back here because it was so easy last time,” said Phillips.
Phillips said when she and her husband saw the footage, they immediately called law enforcement.
“They actually showed up within four or five minutes of the guy leaving so they all split up and tried to find him but they couldn’t,” said Phillips.
Phillips said the thief took a second wooden eagle, two small bears, and this bear used to welcome customers to her store. She said her husband makes all of the inventory by hand,
“It’s devastating, this is our sole income. We’re both retired now. This is my only income and my husband works very hard,” said Phillips.
But, Phillips believes this will be the last time the man attempts to steal again.
“You may have gotten by with it twice, but I want you to know that the community has been very supportive, and we’re hoping you’re caught very soon,” said Phillips.
Lincoln County deputies are asking residents to be on the lookout for a white, four door Dodge Ram as shown in the surveillance footage.
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