Reward offered to identify thieves who stole from L&M Fertilizer, Grangetto's, Powerland

SAN DIEGO - Authorities asked the public today for help in identifying whoever has broken into and looted four North County farm- and garden-supply businesses in recent weeks.

Between Sept. 20 and Oct. 17, an undetermined number of thieves forced entry to the stores after hours and stole thousands of dollars worth of chain saws, tree trimmers, leaf blowers and other gasoline-powered tools, according to sheriff's officials.

The victimized businesses were L&M Fertilizer in Fallbrook, Powerland Equipment in Valley Center and Grangetto's Farm & Garden Supply in Encinitas and Valley Center.

Investigators have no description of the perpetrators.

Anyone with information on the burglaries is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.