Someone cut 16 catalytic converters worth $12,800 from the Research Station near Whiteville.
The sheriff’s office reported that deputies were called to the USDA Crops Research Station on Border Belt Drive Thursday. Dustin Mercer told investigators that the area was secured July 15 at 2 p.m.
Eight Ford trucks were damaged in the theft.
Although the facility has video surveillance, there was no footage of the theft, the report said.