The Waterways Journal
5 November 2007
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needs information about the theft of several thousand dollars worth of hand tools from the Opekiska Lock and Dam in Fairmont, W. Va. on October 27.
The incident had no direct threat to navigation, said Corps spokeswoman Karen Auer.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the Corps Watch at 866, 413-7970. Information leading to the identification of the suspect and recovery of the stolen property may lead to a reward up to $1,000. Callers may remain anonymous.
The Pittsburgh Engineer District is a participant in Corps Watch, a neighborhood crime-watch deterrence program to protect Corps assets. Each year, millions of dollars in property are lost to vandalism, larceny, arson and environmental and cultural degradation. The program is designed to heighten awareness of the seriousness of the impacts of crime within or around dams, lakes, navigation locks, recreation areas and other Corps facilities.
To help fight these crimes and reduce operations and maintenance costs, the Corps received Congressional authority to offer up to $1,000 cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of individuals causing damage to Corps property. Individuals who witness or suspect that a crime has been committed against Corps property are encouraged to use the toll-free number to report information of theft, vandalism or any other threats or suspicious activity against Corps property.