COWETA, Ga. -- A man is suspected of stealing bubble gum machines from seven businesses around Newnan, police said.

James Donald McAuliffe Jr., 42, dubbed the "Bubble Gum Bandit," was behind a rash of thefts that left many business owners upset and confused, authorities said.

The string of burglaries and thefts authorities said McAuliffe is responsible for began on Feb. 19 at Cagle Insurance Company. McAuliffe allegedly smashed the front door using a piece of asphalt and only took the bubblegum machine.

McAuliffe was stopped after witnesses said they spotted him taking a bubble gum machine at a restaurant Friday night. Police said they found the machine in the van.

During an interview with police, McAuliffe stated that he was taking the candy machines because he has a severe drug problem, according to police officials.

McAuliffe is now charged with five counts of burglary and two counts of theft.