On August 29th, thieves stole a semi-truck and three trailers loaded with pork products from the Ottumwa, IA. plant operated by JBS. The empty vehicles were subsequently recovered, the thieves having transferred the loads. This presumes bringing tractors into the plant to haul away unhitched trailers. This denotes either a profound lack of security or an ‘inside job’ with collusion between employees and thieves. The purloined product was valued in excess of $100,000.
Previously CHICK-NEWS reported on a similar heist involving beef from a plant in Nebraska during July involving three tractor-trailers. The report noted that theft of large loads presumes involvement of organized crime on a regional scale. Theft of product resulting in illegal distribution of raw meat represents a potential food safety hazard.