Last week, thieves stole over $100,000 worth of pork products from the JBS plant in Ottumwa, Iowa. Police report that the thieves are still at large.
According to Ottumwa Police Department’s news release, the department responded to a report on Sept. 1 at approximately 7 a.m. Initial investigations led the officers to believe that a tractor-trailer was stolen from JBS and used to steal another three truck rigs loaded with pork products for distribution.
Two of the stolen trailers were found at the Blackhawk River Access in Ottumwa. The additional semi and trailer were found in nearby Wapello County. All of the pork products had been removed.
Anyone who’s been to the stores lately has seen the rise in prices for pork. Despite the cost, demand for meat has remained steady in the U.S.
While there has been no information released yet about the motive, or even who stole the meat, the rise in food costs and increased concerns over food security may make products like JBS’ pork more appealing to meat-loving thieves.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottumwa Police Department at 641-683-0661.
