Authorities in Mississippi are searching for suspects after 11 cattle were reportedly stolen from a livestock facility in Philadelphia over the weekend.
Philadelphia Police say officers responded Monday morning to East Mississippi Farmers Livestock on Pecan Avenue after employees discovered multiple cattle missing from the property.
Investigators reviewing surveillance footage identified a black Ram pickup pulling an aluminum cattle trailer entering the facility Sunday morning around 9:45 a.m. Officials say the vehicle remained on the property for several minutes before leaving with the stolen cattle.
Philadelphia Police Chief Eric Lyons says investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses as the investigation continues.
Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark says the truck was later detected by a Flock camera system traveling westbound on Highway 16 in Kemper County near the Alabama state line.
Livestock theft cases remain a major concern for producers across parts of the South and Midwest where cattle prices continue trading at historically elevated levels.
Industry groups have encouraged producers to maintain updated herd records, brand registrations and surveillance systems as theft investigations become increasingly difficult once cattle are transported across state lines.
Authorities have not released suspect information at this time and say additional details may be released as the investigation develops.