Deputies investigate theft of $53,000 in farm supplies

The Marlboro County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of nearly $53,000 worth of merchandise from the Southern States farm supply store on Tyson Avenue just outside Bennettsville.

The store is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

Authorities think that on Saturday morning, someone stole 300 bags of soybeans, 129 bags of various types of corn, and chemicals used in farming. Also stolen was a trailer, which the stolen goods were loaded onto as they were taken from the store.

Whoever stole the merchandise broke into the store using bolt cutters and destroyed various items during the theft, authorities said.