Wayne County Uses Crime Reward Program

Thanks to the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) Crime Reward Program, Wayne County Farm Bureau members are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to a felony conviction for the recent arson fires of equipment in their area. A John Deere 4320 tractor, a John Deere 4960, a skid steer loader, and a Caterpillar E120 excavator were parked in a field owned by Fred Tubbs, of Wayne City, when the arson took place.

According to Peggy Romba, Program Manager for IFB, this crime reward program is a membership benefit of Illinois Farm Bureau. “This allows county Farm Bureaus the opportunity to offer a reward to help solve and deter rural crime. It’s more incentive for neighbors to keep an eye out for each other and any suspicious activity.” She also pointed out that in order for your property to qualify under the program, you must be a current member of the Farm Bureau.

Doug Anderson, Manager of Wayne County Farm Bureau, said his county has used this benefit several times to draw attention to a rural crime. “Of course we hate to see any crime occur, but this reward helps get us a step closer to solving it,” he said.  

All information regarding the identity of the informant is confidential.  The reward money is paid directly to the informant by the Illinois Farm Bureau.