By John Howell Sr.

The thieves who broke in to Hallmark Ford on Highway 6 West last weekend left few clues for investigating officers.

Batesville Police Detective George Williford says that an anonymous tip with information that leads to the crime’s solution will be worth at least $1,000.

What police know is that the thieves spent a long time in the building Friday night, May 6 and Saturday morning, May 7, gaining access to the firm’s safe, Williford said. Police also believe that someone saw something or someone that could be useful. The person who provides that information will receive the cash reward.

Here’s how it works. Crimestoppers of North Central Mississippi has a toll-free number, 1-800-729-2169. Callers do not have to give a name. They are assigned a number through a proven process that will be used to deliver the cash reward if the information provided leads to an arrest and conviction.

The reason Williford can guarantee the reward of at least $1,000, even though the Crimestoppers organization does not state the amount of its cash rewards, is that the Batesville Police Department has its own reward fund, the detective said. BPD will add to the Crimestoppers reward, if necessary, to bring it to at least $1,000.

Somebody driving along the heavily-traveled highway last Friday or early Saturday saw something — some activity around or inside the building — that will help in the investigation, Williford said. That person could set the process in motion to receive the $1,000 cash reward by calling 1-800-729-2169.