News

Vandals damage 370 cotton bales on Lachlan farm

Grain Central, June 28, 2022

Police are investigating after cotton bales were damaged at a property at Kiacatoo in central west New South Wales. Photo: NSW Police

THE NEW South Wales Rural Crime Prevention Team are investigation after 370 cotton bales worth about $1.3 million were damaged by vandals at a property on the Lachlan Valley Way between Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo.

Between 10pm on Wednesday, June 22 and 7am on Thursday, June 23, a cotton producer at Kiacatoo was targeted by unknown vandals who damaged the harvested bales by cutting the wrap and exposing the cotton.

The farmer is in the process of recovering the cotton and it is hoped that the bulk of the cotton will be recovered.

 

Grain Central: Get our free news straight to your inbox – Click here

 

Rural Crime Investigators, assisted by forensic officers and local police, have attended the scene and the investigation has been ongoing since it was reported last week.

State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Whiteside said he is determined to bring this investigation to a positive end.

“We are determined to catch those responsible and we would like anyone that knows anything about this senseless crime to come forward and speak to police,” DCI Whiteside said.

Cotton has been exposed to the elements after bales were vandalised at Kiacatoo. Photo: NSW Police

He said people often did not come forward as they believed that what they saw or heard was of no value to police, and he stressed that could not be further from the truth.

“Rural crimes are often committed in isolated areas which makes unusual acts, unknown visitors and vehicles standout,” DCI Whiteside said.

If you know anything about this crime and want to help this farmer, please contact your local police, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Rural Crime Prevention Team at Parkes Police Station on 6862 9977.

Source: NSW Police

HAVE YOUR SAY

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated.
Contributions that contravene our Comments Policy will not be published.

Comments

Get Grain Central's news headlines emailed to you -
FREE!