Ag Crime
Detective Ian Weaver
Madera County
Sheriff's Department;
Ag Crime Unit
October 2010
Greetings,
During the past months we have seen an increase in agriculture cases. Many of the cases we have received are still being investigated; therefore, I am not able to provide many details at this point. That being said, we have seen an increase in copper wire thefts from pumps during the last two months. All cases are under investigation.
There have been three tractors stolen from the south county area within the last 4-5 months. Please take precautions when parking equipment for extended periods of time. Know the PIN (personal identification number) or VIN (vehicle identification number) to all pieces of equipment that you have parked in unsecured locations.
I recently returned from the California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force (CRCPT) course. The course was one week long and was hosted by the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. I would like to take a moment to educate you on a great program that can be used to protect your equipment and tools.
The program is called the Owner Applied Number program (OAN). This program was very popular several years ago when it was introduced, however, its popularity has recently faded. Many farmers were confused and did not think that the program was still in effect. The program is still in effect, the only thing that has changed is the fact that the farmer or rancher himself must apply the number to his equipment or tools.
In the past, a representative from ACTION (Tulare County) was sent to farms or ranches to apply the number. Basically, you apply for you personal number on-line at Agcrime.net. Once you receive your number you apply it to your equipment & tools. The number can be engraved or welded onto equipment.
Many farmers use welding rod to weld the number onto tractors, trailers or other implements. This number is automatically entered into the ACTION database when you receive it. The database includes your name, address and phone numbers. In the event that your equipment or tools are stolen, the deputy or officer can have a dispatcher log into the law enforcement data base for ACTION.
Once in the website, the dispatcher can enter your personal Owner Applied Number and obtain your contact information. This is an easy way for the sheriff’s department to contact you due to the fact that you can list several phone numbers.
This program is very useful when it is used correctly. It takes about three minutes to log onto the web site and obtain your OAN. If ANYONE would like to speak with me regarding this program feel free to call or e-mail me. I will return each phone call or e-mail. I can assist you and explain the benefits of this program. Best of all, it is FREE! As always, e-mail or call me if you have any questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Detective Ian Weaver
Madera County Sheriff’s Department
(559) 479-3093