The Californians Turn In Poachers and Polluters program (CalTIP) will give up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of trout thieves who hit a hatchery earlier this month.

The thieves are responsible for stealing approximately 1,000 trout from the San Joaquin Hatchery on Sunday, Aug. 21, according to the Department of Fish and Game.

On that day, sometime between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., someone forced entry into the hatchery, stealing the trout, and killing and leaving another 70 large trout in the process, the Department of Fish and Game reported.

The state said the stolen trout weighed 3 to 4 pounds each and had been growing in the hatchery for three years.

Fish and Game wardens have collected evidence at the scene and hope to get additional information from anyone who may have seen someone trying to sell the trout.

The value of the fish and the cost to repair the damage to the hatchery elevate the crime to a felony, the agency reported.

Citizens are encouraged to be watchful for anyone attempting to sell trout on the street, outdoors markets, or markets where trout are not normally sold.

Physical descriptions, vehicle license plate numbers, time, date and locations would be extremely helpful.

The toll-free, 24-hour CalTIP hotline is 888-334-2258.

For details on the CalTIP program, visit www.dfg.ca.gov/enforcement/caltip.aspx.

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