On the night of May 23rd, a red Honda Side-by-side was stolen from the Lassen County Fairgrounds. The vehicle had been set up for the annual Farm City Day, an event aimed at educating over 250 second-grade students about agriculture and food sources. It had been dropped off around 6 pm the previous day, under the carport in front of Jensen Hall, with no keys. When the owners arrived at 7 am this morning, they discovered it was missing.
Fair manager Kaitlyn Midgley speculated that since the Side-by-side had only been at the fairgrounds for a mere 12 hours, the thieves must have been observing the drop-off. Midgley mentioned that the police department had been informed, and a report had been filed. Additionally, she reached out to nearby businesses to obtain any available surveillance footage. Unfortunately, the existing cameras did not capture any footage of the crime or the suspects. The fairgrounds’ staff is currently in the process of installing more security cameras.
Midgley further explained that after the vehicle was taken from its parking spot, the thieves drove it around the grounds and tampered with several other vehicles that were part of a surplus sale. However, nothing was stolen from those vehicles. This incident adds to the ongoing issue of theft and security concerns. Last month, vehicles were stolen from the Ag office out of a locked yard shared with the fairgrounds.
To enhance security, Midgley stated that a grant secured for the Office of Emergency Services (OES) would use a portion of the funds to upgrade the front gate entrance. This will include secured boxes to cover the locks and prevent them from being cut.
If you have any information regarding the theft at the fairgrounds on the evening of May 23, you are urged to contact the Susanville Police Department at 530-257-5603.
Photo posted to social media by owners.
