Eight calves stolen from county stockyard

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Almost $5,000 worth of livestock was taken from the Northwest Alabama Livestock and Auction, located on Highway 243.
Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott said eight calves were taken from the barn Sunday. The calves weighed about 550 pounds each and were worthed $4,840 collectively.
"We have tape of a man driving a truck around to where the calves were being held, and loading them up into the truck before driving away," Plott said.
The suspect turned the video cameras to make sure he was not seen loading the truck so, therefore, authorities believe the suspect knew exactly where the cameras were located prior to approaching the building.
Plott said investigators have worked with the surveillance tape with newly acquired equipment, and a photograph of the suspect is now available.
However, investigators could not enhance the tape well enough to get a positive identification on the suspect.
"We have been working with the tape, but it's not clear enough to be able to identify the suspect at this time," Plott said.
Plott said the pending charges are eight counts of theft of property and burglary.
The theft is still under investigation and that anyone with any information should contact the department at 332-8820.