Reward offered for Sikeston trailer theft information

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A $20,000 reward is being offered for information which could help police solve a major theft from a local trucking company.

According to Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, employees with PTI Trucking contacted police at 8 a.m. Saturday about the theft of a 53-foot trailer. The theft is believed to have occurred between midnight Friday and 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

"Employees noticed the trailer missing as they arrived for work early that morning," McMillen said in a news release issued Tuesday. "They also noticed that someone had tampered with a couple of semi tractor trucks on the lot."

During their investigation, officers determined the missing trailer had a shipment of LG Blu-Ray players that were worth several thousand dollars. McMillen said thefts of shipments of this value are extremely rare.

The trailer is white and has a PTI logo on the side, front and rear along with the number 1367.

The trailer's Missouri license number is 69B-2ZU with a Dec. 31 expiration date.

"Both PTI Trucking and Public Safety are extremely interested in anyone who has any information in regards to this theft," McMillen said.

The $20,000 reward is for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of the trailer or for the recovery of the stolen freight.

Those who have any information should contact the department at 573-471-4711 or the Crimestoppers Hot Line at 573-471-1500.

All callers may remain anonymous, McMillen said.