Reward for conviction of blueberry vandals increased

The P.E.I. Blueberry Association has upped the ante on a reward for information leading to the conviction of those who vandalized blueberry harvesting equipment last August.

• P.E.I. blueberry growers offer $10K reward for info on vandalism

The association has raised the award, put up last month, to $12,000 from the $10,000 previously on offer.

The reward is in exchange for information about two tractors and some harvesting equipment vandalized in a field southwest of Mount Stewart in August of 2015.

Strong community support

Association executive assistant Joann Pineau said the increase is a measure of the support in the community for the farmer.

"Initially the association had put together $10,000 for the reward, and then through additional contributions from growers and friends of the industry we put it up to $12,000," said Pineau.

Pineau said she did not know if the extra $2,000 will make a difference.

"We can only hope. You never know what motivation people might have to come forward."

Farmers have been keeping a closer eye on harvesting equipment this year, said Pineau, and the association is asking the public to do the same by reporting any unusual activity, such as harvesters operating in the dark.

The reward offer is in place until Aug. 17, 2017.

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