Haast Police are investigating a burglary that occured at the Paringa Salmon Farm Café, South Westland on Saturday Night.
Overnight on 3rd December, unknown persons have entered the Paringa Salmon farm grounds and tampered with important machinery on site. The alleged offenders have shut off the water supply to the salmon rearing tanks, causing the salmon to suffocate due to lack of oxygen. As a result, at least 13,000 small salmon have died.
Senior Constable Paul Gurney of Haast Police Station says, "This has caused thousands of dollars of loss for the business and Police would like to hear from anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the South Westland area during this time"
A vehicle parked several kilometres up the state highway was also tampered with during this time.
Anyone with information is asked to please call Haast Police on 03 7500850 or email Paul.Gurney@police.govt.nz. Information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre