(NORFOLK COUNTY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment is warning farmers of suspicious activities in the farming community specifically around tobacco farms after a break and enter was reported at a Windham Road 3, Windham, Norfolk County, Ontario address.
On Friday, September 20, 2013 in the early morning hours, unknowns attended the address and gained entry into a locked barn located on the property. Once inside, unknowns proceeded to remove eight bales of tobacco from the property.
The theft is estimated at approximately $12,000 dollars.
The OPP would like to take this opportunity to remind all farmers of the importance of locking barns, turning on lights and keeping a watch for suspicious persons and vehicles. Specifically those persons that stop by the farm and express an interest in the crops you’re growing and what is stored in the barns.
“Quite often they will attend the property during the day and be looking around the barns to check out where crops are stored and what kind of security systems are in place.†comments Constable Ed Sanchuk, Norfolk County OPP.
If you see suspicious persons or vehicles, try to obtain as much detail as you can, write down the person(s) description, the type of vehicle they are driving and the licence plate number.
Then don’t delay, call the police and report it. 1 – 888 – 310 – 1122 will put you in contact with the nearest O.P.P. Communications Centre to report the activity. OPP (677) on your cellular will also work.
“Don’t be shy; if you see something, say something, it could be your valuables that you’re saving.â€
Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1 – 888 – 310 – 1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1 – 800 – 222 – 8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.