08/29/25
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) is seeking information leading to the identification of the person or people who broke into a Division of Forestry office in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, a gloved and masked intruder illegally entered the New Prospect office located at 57 Tower Road.
Security footage shows the individual first searched through compartments on a state truck, then cut the office’s phone lines before gaining access through a side window.
The burglar exited through the back door with stolen items including, in part, a Stihl chainsaw, Stihl backpack blower, Ingersoll Rand air hammer, DeWalt router, DeWalt hammer drill, DeWalt grease gun, DeWalt 20V Grinder, and a DeWalt 20V jig saw. Staff arriving later that morning discovered the break-in and immediately notified the Lawrence County Sheriff’s office and TDA’s Agricultural Crime Unit (ACU).
Based on the thief’s approach, investigators believe the individual had prior knowledge of the facility and surrounding area. Rather than driving down the main road, which dead-ends at the property, the thief likely traveled through private lands, cornfields, and pastures to park behind the building. Neighbors who find evidence on or near their property are asked to contact ACU.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact ACU at 844-AG-CRIME (844-242-7463) or agriculture.crime@tn.gov.
