Ag Crime Alert!

October 2006- Theft of nuts in the San Joaquin Valley is reaching extreme levels this year, prompting the California Farm Bureau to issue an alert to all growers in the area:

CFBF AG CRIME ALERT: NUT THEFTS

In recent weeks, Farm Bureau has worked to provide growers and the general public with information related to a variety of thefts of tractor/trailer loads of almonds. On October 8, 2006 this activity crossed commodity lines and resulted in the loss of two fully loaded containers of walnuts in Stanislaus County. Loaded tractor/trailers stored overnight and awaiting final shipment have been the target of this series of crimes and have resulted in over 400,000 lbs and approximately $1.6 million in losses to growers in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. There is no evidence indicating these crimes are exclusive to almonds and walnuts. Law enforcement encourages anyone affiliated with the production of nuts of any kind to be on the alert for this type of criminal activity and to take every precaution to secure and protect your property. To date, the following thefts have occurred:

Merced County: Two thefts resulting in the loss of four loaded containers of approximately 40,000 lbs of almonds each.
San Joaquin County: One theft resulting in the loss of two loaded containers of approximately 44,000 lbs of almonds each.
Stanislaus County: Two thefts resulting in one 40,000 lb container of almonds and two 40,000 lb containers of walnuts.
Fresno County: One theft resulting in a 40,000 lb container of almonds stolen from a trucking yard. (Investigated by CHP)

Don’t be a victim! The following precautionary measures are strongly encouraged:
- Loaded containers that cannot be shipped that day should be unloaded or at minimum locked inside a secure warehouse.
- Ensure loads leaving your yard are taken directly to their final destination and will not be held over night by the trucking company.
- Check your farm’s security system to verify that all security cameras, motion detectors, etc are in good working order.
- Consider posting a security guard for nighttime hours.
- Do not become an easy target. Take every step you can to prevent theft and secure your property.

To report any suspicious or criminal activity please contact your local sheriff’s department. If you have any information related to the abovementioned thefts please contact:
Det. Frank Swiggart, Ag Crimes Unit, Merced Co. Sheriff’s Dept. (209) 385-7552
Det. Ken Terpstra, Ag Crimes Unit, San Joaquin Co. Sheriff’s Dept. (209) 468-4443
Det. Donnie Schwandt, Ag Crimes Unit, Stanislaus Co. Sheriff’s Dept. (209) 525-7084

Sent by Danielle Rau
Program Director
Rural Health and Safety
Rural Crime Prevention
Member Benefits

California Farm Bureau Federation
2300 River Plaza Dr.
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 561-5598 Direct
(916) 384-8923 Cell
(916) 561-4507 Fax
www.cfbf.com

COPPER THEFT

September 2006- The price of copper continues to rise so criminals across the country are finding it wherever they can- residential, commercial property and rural communities. Items include air conditioning units, plumbing, wire from power substations and street lamps. Guard your property!

METAL THEFT- CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

March 2006- Catalytic converters are the hot items for metal thieves. Platinum, palladium and rhodium are extracted from the converters by recyclers and sold on the open market. Read news article

METAL THEFT

March 2006- Metal theft doubled in 2004 because of spiraling metal prices. Items like copper wire, aluminum pipes, brass irrigation fittings and stainless steel are highly sought after as prices continue to escalate. GUARD YOUR EQUIPMENT!! Take precautions by labeling with OANs or painting your valves bright colors to prove ownership and deter recycling centers from accepting the loot. Also, periodically check equipment that you may not be using, such as irrigation pumps.