Sheriff’s department investigating theft of 5 mowers

An investigation into the theft of five riding lawn mowers in the past 10 days is underway by Neshoba County Sheriff's deputies and aw enforcement in two adjoining counties.

Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark said that his department received a report of a large zero turn lawn mower stolen from a shop off of Highway 21 last week. He said the mower was taken between the evening of Thursday, July 23 and the following Saturday morning July 25. Clark said it was in the northern part of the county near the county line.

“It is a diesel Bad Boy zero turn lawn mower,” Clark said. “It is a pretty expensive, pretty elaborate rig.”

Clark said it was probably worth close to $20,000 new. He said that the mower was in a shop and could be seen from the road. He said the theft was reported Saturday before lunch. He said those responsible brought their own key.

“We know they are bringing their own key,” Clark said. “We know you can buy lawn mower keys on Amazon all day and that is probably what they are doing.”

Clark said that there have been thefts reported in Winston and Leake counties “forming a pattern” and that they are working with law enforcement in those jurisdictions. He said three lawnmowers have been reported stolen in Leake County and one in Winston in the past week to 10 days.

“We have increased patrols and done everything that we know to do,” Clark said. “We believe those involved to be locals.”

He said Tuesday morning that he and an investigator were out on the case. Clark hoped to find someone with a camera facing the road that may show one of the stolen mowers being taken or transported along the highway. He also encouraged anyone with expensive mowers to ensure their equipment is secured. Clark recommended setting pop motion sensor lights and trail cameras.

Clark said that last year he remembers a string of mower thefts that went largely unsolved and suspects the same perpetrators in this spate of thefts.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office 601-656-1414 or Crime Stoppers at 1-855-485-8477.