Since the start of crawfish season, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office said it has has increased patrols in rural areas due to reports of thefts by local crawfish farmers.

Those efforts, coupled with the assistance of a concerned citizen, lead to a traffic stop on three people suspected of stealing crawfish from area ponds. Through investigation, deputies were able to recover approximately $756.67, which is about 165 pounds-worth, of stolen crawfish.

Detectives determined the suspects had been stealing from area farmers every night.

 Alan Turner, 46, of Duson, was arrested at the time of the incident for failure to appear for arraignment on traffic charges including reckless operation, improper lane usage and an expired inspection sticker. He has been charged with felony theft.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Christopher Prejean, 40, of Carencro, and Haley
Briscoe, 32, both of Carencro, for felony theft.