Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- The Covington Police Department has issued a lookout for a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air that was stolen between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Friday at LongHorn Steakhouse in Covington.

"This is not your run-of-the-mill stolen car," said CPD spokesman Det. D.J. Seals. "This one will definitely stand out in the crowd, and it's not one that will be stolen and parted out. It's one that will be stolen and kept. The vehicle recently underwent a complete restoration."

Seals said typically a stolen vehicle will be "chopped up" for parts, but investigators believe this one was stolen for its high value and will be kept out of public eye because it is so easily recognizable.

"Whoever has this car is probably not going to drive it around for a joy ride," he said. "It would be a whole lot easier to get rid of a car made in the past two decades."

Potential witnesses were questioned at LongHorns the night the vehicle was stolen, but no one reported seeing any suspicious activity.

Seals said older cars of this type generally have pop locks and regular ignition systems.

"Older cars didn't have theft deterrent systems, which includes things like electronic locks, a secure steering column or an alarm, unless it's been modified for those things," he said.

The car is listed as stolen on GCIC and on MetroTech, which is a metro Atlanta area network of all criminal investigators, he said.

Anyone who sees this vehicle or who has information on it is asked to call Det. Steve Fowler at 770-385-2146 or e-mail him at steve.fowler@covingtonpolice.com.