Shoppers concerned after Kroger shut down by copper theft damage

ATLANTA — Managers at a southwest Atlanta Kroger hope to have the store back open before the end of the year after it had to abruptly close when copper thieves vandalized it, causing extensive damage.

It happened at the Kroger on Metropolitan Parkway near Cleveland Avenue.

Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln spoke to shoppers who are worried about where they’ll find food.

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Not only is this delaying Thanksgiving shopping for some, but others who depend on this store to pick up medications from the pharmacy or use the bank inside said the closure is concerning.

Repairs crews say it will take weeks to fix.

Kroger officials told Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln that thieves broke into the back of the store earlier this month.

“It’s just no way you can stop people from doing what they’re doing,” shopper Carolyn Robinson said.

Atlanta police confirmed Wednesday that once the thieves were inside, they did extensive damage to the building after stealing copper from its electrical system.

Lincoln said she could see crews already working on repairs to the store Wednesday.

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“It’s a lot of ways to get money, in this time and age we’re living in, it’s a shame they had to steal the copper,” shopper Al Chamber said.

While the store’s been closed for a little more than a week, many customers say they were unaware of the closure.

“I came to get my tags renewed, Lord knows I need to do that. I came to get my tags renewed and they said it’s closed but it’s kind of an inconvenience,” Chamber said.

Shopper Perry Butler says the closure is concerning because he relies on the store for his medication.

“It’s a bad inconvenience because I get my prescriptions filled here,” Butler said.

Kroger says right now they don’t have a timeline on when repairs will be made, so they’re directing people to the Kroger at Greenbriar Crossing and the Cascade Citi Center Kroger.

“I think that’s really sad, and it’s inconveniencing me and a lot more other people,” Butler said.

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For the people who use the PNC Bank branch inside of the store, the bank has set up a mobile banking center in the parking lot. It will be there until power is restored.

Kroger has not given a timeline at this point, but they did say the store will have to be re-wired and inspected before opening back up.

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