Police have been left shocked after a “senseless” act of vandalism on one cotton grower’s property in Darlington Point over the weekend.
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Over 150 bales of freshly harvested and plastic-wrapped cotton were in a paddock facing the Kidman Way.
Police alleged someone has gone along and sliced open the plastic on all of the bales, which now have to go through the expensive and time-consuming process of being repackaged for transport.
The bales were awaiting delivery and are estimated to be valued at $400,000 in total.
Forensic investigators were called in to examine the scene, with the results of fingerprinting still being processed.
Murrumbidgee Police District Inspector Nick Seddon said it was a “shocking” act at the best of times, but when conditions for growers are as tough as they are due to the drought, it’s inexcusable.
“This act involves a lot of time, money and work to repair and repackage the bales,” Inspector Seddon said.
“We are asking for any assistance people may be able to provide us with. If they saw anyone running along the road in a paddock, parked cars by the side of the road, anything that can help us catch those responsible.”
Anyone with information should contact the Murrumbidgee Rural Crime Investigator on 02 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Griffith Sheep stolen
Police have recently received reports detailing the theft of around 44 head of sheep from Griffith sale-yards in late July.
It is alleged the theft happened at the sale-yards on Thursday July 25, when the owner dropped 1000 head of sheep to be sold.
It appears during the night someone stole 44 of the lambs in the pen, which was only noticed the following day.
Sitting at around $165 dollars a head at the time, the loss totaled around $7260.
Inspector Seddon requested any farmers or growers who have had similar experiences to report them as soon as they are discovered.
“Rural crime is very under-reported, and if it isn’t reported then we cannot be on the alert for similar cases,” he said.
“We encourage them to report, for example if we had stopped someone for an RBT who was carrying 44 head of sheep without transport papers, we would be able to take the appropriate action and return them.”
