A local cotton producer at a property on the Lachlan Valley Way between Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo is currently making every effort to recover $1.3M worth of cotton after malicious damage was done to a number of bales by an unknown suspect.  

The Rural Crime Prevention Team are actively investigating the incident that occurred sometime between 10.00pm on Wednesday the 22 June and 7.00am on Thursday the 23 June 2022.  

The producer found over 370 large round bales of harvested cotton damaged due to the wrap being cut and the cotton exposed to the elements. The damage is taking considerable time and effort to fix, and investigators are pleading for anyone with any information to come forward.  

State Rural Crime Coordinator Detective Chief Inspector, Cameron Whiteside, outlined that people often don’t come forward as they believe that what they saw or heard is of no value to police, and he stressed that could not be further from the truth. 

“Rural crimes are often committed in isolated areas which makes unusual acts, unknown visitors and vehicles standout,” Detective Whiteside stressed. 

Rural Crime Investigators, assisted by Forensic officers and local police, attended the scene last week, and the investigation has been ongoing since it was reported. However, Detective Whiteside is determined to bring this investigation to a positive end as soon as possible. 

“We are determined to catch those responsible and we would like anyone that knows anything about this senseless crime to come forward and speak to police. If you know or saw something, please say something,” Detective Whiteside said. 

The producer is hopeful that the majority of the exposed cotton will be salvageable.  

 If you know anything about this crime and want to help this farmer, please contact your local police, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Rural Crime Prevention Team at Parkes Police Station on 68629977.