The theft of 500 bushels of flax from a bin in the Neudorf, Sask., area is a reminder to farmers to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and take precautions to protect their property.
The flax was taken sometime between July 1 and 6 and is worth an estimated $4,000, according to the Melville RCMP.
RCMP spokesperson Heather Russell said thefts are not tracked by commodity so it’s not possible to say whether grain thefts are increasing as prices have risen.
However, she said the theory of supply and demand applies. As the demand for something outstrips supply, it becomes more valuable.
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“Whenever something becomes more valuable, thieves will take the opportunity to steal it,” she said.
RCMP recommend the use of Cropgard, or grainfetti, to deter theft or make it possible to identify stolen grain. The paper flakes with unique identifying numbers are mixed with grain at varying rates.
Melville RCMP are also investigating the theft of several hundred litres of coloured diesel from a farm south of the city.
RCMP are asking anyone who observes suspicious activity to report it to local detachments immediately and to obtain as much information as possible, such as licence plate numbers.
