Ag Crime - June 2010
Detective Ian WeaverDate: 06/01/2010
Location: Ave 21 near Road 10
Theft of approximately 25 bales of hay. The hay was later located at a nearby residence. The suspect admitted to stealing the hay for his livestock and agreed to pay the victim. No charges were filed in this case.
Date: 06/01/2010
Location: CA-145 near Tozer
Theft of copper wire and a gas card from an unlocked company vehicle. The card was later used at a local gas station. Video surveillance was obtained and two suspects were located and questioned about the gas card. The suspects admitted to using the gas card multiple times. Charges will be filed against both suspects for possession of stolen property and unlawful use of an access/credit card.
Date: 06/02/2010
Location: Avenue 11 near Road 34 ½
Theft of copper wire from an ag pump. The unknown suspect(s) caused approximately $1,900.00 in damages. No arrests have been made.
Date: 06/14/2010
Location: Road 15 near Avenue 18
Theft of a Ford 1000 series tractor. It appears as if the suspect(s) removed the tractor with a truck and trailer. No arrests have been made.
Date 06/29/2010
Location: Road 29 ½ near Avenue 10
Theft of a Massey Ferguson tractor valued at $36,000.00. No arrests have been made.
Date: 07/08/2010
Location: Fairmead Blvd near Avenue 20 ½
Theft of a trailer from an orchard. The trailer was used to transport portable toilets. The suspect(s) removed the portable toilets and took the trailer. No arrests have been made.
During the months of June and July we have seen an increase in agricultural related thefts. One case that was not mentioned above was the theft of a Polaris ATV and John Deere Gator from a ranch in Fairmead. I located the Gator and subsequently connected it to several thefts. The suspect in this case was using the Gator to travel to orchards and steal brass irrigation valves. At the time the Gator was located approximately 35 brass valves were located with it. Some of the valves have been identified; however, I still have numerous valves in my possession. If you have discovered any brass valves missing from your orchards or fields please contact me. During this investigation parts to the Polaris ATV were located, indicating that it has been stripped to change its appearance. A suspect in this case has been identified and is being sought. As always, feel free to contact me anytime.
Respectfully,
Detective Ian Weaver
Madera County Sheriff’s Department
Ag Crime Unit