$750,000 damage to potato and garlic crop
DETECTIVES from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) are investigating the alleged wilful damage of an organic potato and garlic crop in the Mt Sylvia area in the Lockyer Valley.
Police claim an unknown person introduced a quantity of herbicide into the irrigation system on the farm near Mt Sylvia, south of Gatton, resulting in the loss of the potato and garlic crop and soil contamination. The damage was valued at more than $750,000.
DETECTIVES from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (Rural) are investigating the alleged wilful damage of an organic potato and garlic crop in the Mt Sylvia area in the Lockyer Valley.
Police claim an unknown person has introduced a quantity of herbicide into the irrigation system on the farm near Mt Sylvia, south of Gatton, in August last year, resulting in the loss of the potato and garlic crop and the contamination of the soil.
The complainant farmer has valued the damage at more than $750,000 with ongoing losses expected to exceed $1 million.
Police believe this to be an isolated incident and have confirmed that no contaminated produce had left the location and so there was no threat to the public as a result of the incident.
Detectives and forensic officers have obtained samples from the property for testing.
Police have spoken to witnesses and neighbours in the area and are also reviewing CCTV camera footage from the offence location.
Investigators are calling for members of the public who may have any information about this wilful damage offence to come forward and speak with police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444.
Those with relevant information can report about crime anonymously to registered charity Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24 hours per day.