Van Buren County police are reporting Sauer Farms, on 15th Avenue in Bloomingdale, had 33 Golden Delicious apple saplings uprooted and stolen overnight May 9-10.
The trees, roughly 3-feet tall with ¾-inch trunks, were recently planted in the farm’s north field near 45th Street and 15th Avenue. The trees were between 2- and 3-years old and would not bear fruit for 4- to 5-years.
Police said evidence at the scene indicated more than one person came onto the property and uprooted the trees. Two rows of 15 trees and another partial row were then stolen.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at 269-657-3101, Silent Observer at 343-2100 or 866-774-2345, or Michiana Crime Stoppers at 800-342-7867.
