Jason McClelland, left, and Tony Davis, center, were charged in connection with the thefts of all-terrain vehicles in Colquitt and Decatur counties. Andrea McClelland, right, is being sought in the same case. Colquitt County sheriff’s investigators are asking anyone who has bought merchandise from any of them to contact the CCSO at 616-7430.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — Sheriff’s investigators believe that some people may have gotten some deals on used ATVs and golf carts, but that could be because some of the vehicles were hot.

Police got a break in the string of thefts when a homeowner caught three people apparently “scoping out” his barn to see if there were any of their targets of choice inside.

The resident detained the trio — two men and a woman — on Monday until deputies arrived. They arrested the two men at that time and now have issued an arrest warrant for the wife of one of the men.

“They were close to Highway 33 North and Highway 133 North,” Colquitt County Sheriff’s Inv. Michael Cox said. “The female was in the barn where some ATVs were stored. All three of them were loitering and prowling, acting suspicious.”

Jason McClelland, 42, and Tony Davis, 38, were each charged with theft by taking in connection with an ATV stolen Dec. 15 on Ellenton-Omega Road.

McClelland, who is in custody at Colquitt County Jail, also has been charged with theft by receiving stolen property in connection with a vehicle stolen on McGinty Road and later found on B.F. Giles Road, Cox said. And Davis has a theft charge in Decatur County, where he is being held.

McClelland also faces charges there.

“One of the victims from Decatur County positively identified the golf cart” found in Colquitt County. “There will be some charges for theft by taking (there) for Jason,” the investigator said.

Decatur County has been dealing with similar thefts, and investigators there believe the same people could be involved in other cases in Grady and Seminole counties, Cox said.

Asked how many thefts there have been in Colquitt County, Cox replied “a bunch.”

He said he believes that some of the stolen property was sold in Colquitt County.

“If you or anyone you know has purchased an ATV, four-wheeler, golf cart, or any other items from these individuals, please contact (me) at the Colquitt County Sheriff’s Office,” he said. “Please leave your contact information and what information you wish to provide. If you wish, you can remain anonymous.”

Cox has taken an arrest warrant for Andrea Dent McClelland, 43, on a charge of loitering and prowling. She has been seen with the men on other occasions, he said.

Police also seized a van and trailer at the time they arrested Davis and Jason McClelland. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the suspects or the van and trailer to call (229) 616-7430.