234943
235064

Vernon  

Catch this man for Mama

For now, the honour fridge at Mama's Farm is empty. 

Genniene Sutherland, aka Mama, says thieves have cleared her out and left her hurt and disappointed. 

Sutherland bought the property two years ago, and as Mama's Farm, it has developed a following for their local, non-GMO, non-hormone, organic products. 

Due to popularity, about a year ago Mama decided to set up an honour fridge. Essentially, it meant that her customers could stop by at their convenience , day or night, to pick up any desired products. Mama would stock the fridge with products like eggs, sausage, bacon and ribs and customers would leave the money for the product in a bin in the fridge. 

Signs with the price of each product were posted on the front of the fridge. 

Mama admits, that there were times people would take things from the fridge without paying, but she always kept an open heart and mind about the situation.

However, since June 20 the honour fridge has been raided eight times, and video surveillance shows the alleged thieves in the act of stealing.  

"It's heartbreaking," says Mama. "This is our bread an butter. We rely on income from this fridge."

Mama figures the thieves have made off with about $800 worth of product in the past month.

Last Friday RCMP made a plea to the public for help in identifying the pair. 

“To a small local farm, thefts like this can be devastating and may jeopardize the way the farm continues to conduct business,” stated Const. Kelly Brett, adding an additional suspect has now been identified in one of the thefts from the farm, however, police are seeking further assistance in identifying the male seen in the surveillance footage.

When asked if she will ever restock the honour fridge, Mama says she is reluctant. It is disheartening, but everybody who has come to rely on the fridge is being punished. Most people are honest, and while I'm reluctant to stock it, I will again because we will catch this gentleman and this lady."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact RCMP at 250-545-7171.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.



More Vernon News



234202