Crime Stoppers offers reward in Easton theft

 EASTON, Maine – Law enforcement officials are asking for help in solving the Crime Stoppers Crime of the Month.
On Sept. 23, 2006, someone stole nearly $50,000 in scrap metal from a storage facility owned by McCain Foods, of Easton.
    “During the evening of Sept. 23, a person or persons drove to a storage area of the site off the Johnson Road, in Easton. The site is also accessible from the Conant Road. There, the criminals stole around $50,000 in scrap stainless steel conveyor belting, along with numerous sections of eight-inch stainless steel pipe. The facility is owned by the McCain Foods plant,” said Sgt. Shawn Van Tasel, of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Van Tasel, the items were stored outside and were not secured in any way. Evidence at the scene indicated a vehicle may have been used to move the stolen items.
“Old tire tracks indicated the stolen items might have been towed with a vehicle to a position where they could be loaded,” said Van Tasel.
Police described the belting as being eight feet wide and in several rolls, with an estimated total of 250 to 300 linear feet.
“The pipes were in varying lengths – some as long as 15 to 20 feet,” Van Tasel continued.
Both are heavy in nature. Police estimate it would have taken a large crew of people or some type of hydraulic lift to load it onto a vehicle.
“If you have information on this or any other crime, call the Aroostook County Crime Stoppers at 800-638-8477 (800-638-TIPS). You do not have to give your name,” said Van Tasel.
Anyone providing information this month that leads to a grand jury indictment on this crime is eligible for a $1,000 award.
Crime Stoppers will also pay for information on other felony crimes.