Ag Crime
Detective Ian Weaver
Madera County
Sheriff's Department;
Ag Crime Unit
May 2010
Date: 05/04/2010
Location: Avenue 22 near Road 22
Theft of tractor batteries. The suspects vandalized the tractors to get the batteries out. The value of the batteries was approximately $300.00. The damage to the tractors was estimated at approximately $1,000.00. There were ATV type tire tracks located at the scene which were photographed. This farmer had designed brackets that secured the batteries in an attempt to deter the thieves; however the thieves pried the brackets off and stole the batteries.
Date: 05/29/2010
Location: Ave 25 ½ near Road 8
Theft of metal pipe. The pipes were approximately 15 ft long, 6 inch diameter. The value of the pipe is estimated at $800.00.
Date: 06/01/2010 at 6 am
Location: Avenue 22 ½ near the Berenda Slough
Attempted theft of a large Land Planer. A suspect was seen trying to pull the Land Planer out of a nearby field using a pickup truck. The Land Planer got stuck and the suspect fled the area after seeing the witness. The suspect is described as a white male adult, mid 40’s, medium height and weight. The truck was described as a newer model (early 2000’s) Chevrolet or Ford full size pickup with a flat bed. The truck was RED in color. The Land Planer was valued at $5,000.00. It was recovered at the scene by the owner.
Other important information:
I am looking for that red flat bed truck that was involved in the attempted theft of the Land Planer. Also farmers, be on the lookout for a white Ford Aerostar van, no license plates. I believe that this van has been involved in other metal thefts in the Chowchilla/ Fairmead area. Please contact me on my cell phone if the van or red truck is seen. If possible and safe to do so, get a license plate number for the red truck or any other suspicious vehicles.
Be on the lookout for any other suspicious persons or vehicles on your farms or in the area. Some of these thefts are occurring during the DAY. Any suspicious activity SHOULD be reported to the sheriff’s department by calling the main number (675-7770 or 911) or by calling me directly on my cell phone (559-479-3093). Even information that does not seem important at the time can be very useful for our investigations.
Also I have lots of signs that the farm bureau had printed. The signs are NO TRESSPASSING sings that are in conjunction with Crime Stoppers in regards to Agricultural thefts in Madera County. The signs can also be picked up at the Farm Bureau Office. Please contact me via email (ian.weaver@madera-county.com) or my cell phone for the signs or ANY other matters.
Respectfully,
Detective Ian Weaver
Madera County Sheriff’s Department
Ag Crime Unit