Turkey Heists Surge Ahead of Thanksgiving, Farmers on Alert

URGENT UPDATE: As Thanksgiving approaches, farmers in Fargo, North Dakota, are on high alert due to a troubling surge in turkey thefts. Reports confirm that for over a century, the holiday season has been plagued by “turkey bandits,” and this year is no exception. Authorities are urging local farmers to secure their poultry as the threat of theft looms larger than ever.

Historically, the days leading up to Thanksgiving have seen families grappling not just with meal preparations but also with the looming danger of losing their prized birds. In 1911, The People’s Press warned, “Turkey thieves are abroad in the land,” highlighting a persistent issue that has plagued agricultural communities. Back then, farmers would often wake to find their flocks missing, and confrontations sometimes escalated to gunfire.

In 1923, one farmer reported an organized group of thieves using gas to incapacitate birds—a stark reminder of the lengths to which some would go for a Thanksgiving feast. Arthur Neumeyer, a farmer from Dassell, cleverly marked his turkeys to thwart thieves, demonstrating the ingenuity required to protect livestock during this precarious time.

The stakes were high; turkeys were once a vital cash crop for many family farms. Losing even a few birds could jeopardize a family’s finances. In 1927, the Fargo Forum reported a significant heist that included breeding stock, emphasizing the serious economic implications of these crimes.

Authorities have highlighted the emotional toll on farmers. One Duluth farmer, Charles Pollock, lamented the theft of 30 of his best turkeys in November 1931. “I hope the person who stole them is at least thankful,” he remarked, capturing the mix of frustration and resignation many feel during this season.

As local law enforcement steps up efforts to combat this trend, farmers are reminded of historical practices. In 1895, a Minnesota legislator even proposed a $50 bounty—equivalent to nearly $2,000 today—for catching poultry thieves, underscoring the community’s disdain for these crimes.

In a surprising twist, some turkey thieves have experienced unexpected kindness. In 1933, a sheriff in Sisseton, South Dakota, paid for stolen turkeys out of his own pocket after capturing the thieves, reasoning that it was better for the community to aid those in need than to punish them harshly.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the call to action for farmers is clear: protect your flocks at all costs. With the memories of past holiday heists fresh in their minds, local families are preparing for the possibility of a turkey-less feast. Authorities are urging vigilance as they work to prevent further thefts this holiday season.

Stay tuned for more updates as local law enforcement continues to monitor the situation. The fight against turkey bandits is ongoing, and every farmer’s vigilance could make a difference this Thanksgiving.