Thieves have stolen more than $100,000 worth of meat from Peterborough County butcher shops over the past two weekends, according to a media release from the Peterborough County OPP.
The first break-in occurred sometime between 11:22 p.m. on Saturday, January 11th and 4:42 a.m. on Sunday, January 12th at a butcher shop on Highway 7 south of Fowlers Corners. While police have not identified the business, Smokey Joe’s Butcher Shop and Market is at that location.
Three male suspects entered the butcher shop by forcing open a loading dock roll-up door and stole meat products valued at approximately $25,000. They fled in a dark-coloured older model step-side Ford Ranger.
The second break-in occurred between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. on Sunday (January 19) at a butcher shop on Drummond Line. While police have not identified the business, Otonabee Meat Packers is at that location.
An unknown number of suspects entered the butcher shop through the front door and stole meat products valued at approximately $80,000. Four large butcher knives were also stolen.
Police have not indicated whether they believe the break-ins were committed by the same suspects.
Police investigators are actively looking for information that may lead to suspects in these cases. Anyone with tips on these cases can contact Peterborough County OPP at 705-742-0401, the non-emergency line 1-888-310-1122, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at stopcrimehere.ca.
