Police are investigating a sophisticated theft operation targeting recyclable cooking grease from businesses in Mississippi and Louisiana, costing victims thousands of dollars.

On Friday, December 13, officers conducted surveillance at a local business after receiving a tip from a business owner who reported stolen grease. Police observed a truck pumping grease from a storage tank and later conducted a traffic stop.

During the stop, officers uncovered evidence linking the truck to a multi-state theft operation, including a detailed manifest of stolen grease locations.

“All credit goes to our patrol officers who took the report and acted on it,” said Police Chief Joe Quave. “They set up a stakeout, saw the suspicious activity, and then made a traffic stop.”

Cooking grease, which can be converted into biofuel, is a lucrative target for thieves. “It’s not one of those bright and shiny things, but it has value—a crook will find some way to get it,” Quave added.

The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending. Officials suspect the thieves have targeted multiple locations across Mississippi and Louisiana.