Mississippi Traffic Stop Uncovers Suspected Multi-State Gang of Cooking Grease Thieves: 'It's Not One of Those Bright and Shiny Things But it Has Value'

A Mississippi traffic stop uncovered a suspected multi-state operation involving the theft of recyclable cooking grease, which has cost businesses thousands of dollars in losses.

The investigation began after a local business owner reported missing cooking grease, prompting Picayune Police officers to set up surveillance, according to WLOX.

Cooking grease, often overlooked, holds value as it can be processed into biofuel, making it a target for theft.

During the surveillance, on December 13, officers observed a truck pumping grease from a storage tank and conducted a traffic stop.

Evidence, including a manifest detailing theft locations, revealed the suspects' connection to a larger multi-state operation affecting businesses across Mississippi and Louisiana.

"It's not one of those bright and shiny things but it has value, a crook will find some way to get it," Police Chief Joe Quave said.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the scope of the operation and are urging businesses with grease storage tanks to check their surveillance footage for suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, charges against the suspects are pending.