Ovchepolje farmers protest after more than 100 irrigation units stolen overnight
Farmers staged a warning protest after more than 100 irrigation units were taken overnight; police say investigations and increased field checks are under way.
More than 100 irrigation units were stolen in Ovchepolje during a single night, prompting local farmers to hold a warning protest and demand faster action from authorities.
Farmers say the thefts are part of a pattern that has continued for years, but the scale of the latest incident — over 100 pieces of equipment taken overnight — has put this season’s irrigation and their incomes at risk during peak work months.
“Farmers from Ovchepolje are sounding the alarm over a mass theft of complete irrigation equipment and demand greater responsiveness from institutions to find the perpetrators,” local participants said. Among those who spoke were Vaso Lazov from the village of Mustafino, Sveti Nikole, and Dragi Pavlov from Crnilishte, Sveti Nikole, who described equipment disappearing on more than one occasion and the immediate impact on their ability to work.
Police: investigations under way, preventive checks to be intensified
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) said that police units are taking the necessary steps to clarify the reported cases. Incidents registered with the Police Station in Sveti Nikole are being handled according to legal competencies: authorities are collecting material evidence, establishing facts and working to identify the perpetrators. Given the seriousness of the complaints, the MIA added, police will carry out additional field checks and strengthen preventive activity in critical areas to prevent further offences and increase security for farmers and their property.
Farmers told reporters they feel the state does not protect them from "bandits" who wreak havoc across the fields and demanded an urgent resolution. They warned that, unless institutions respond, they may escalate their protests. The MIA appealed to anyone with information about suspects, movements of stolen equipment or other relevant details to report them to the nearest police station.
The investigation remains open while farmers assess losses and attempt to secure remaining irrigation systems ahead of a critical period for crops.
Photo: press material from the event
