Metal theft hits California ag industry

 Metal theft has become the fastest growing crime affecting California agriculture. California Farm Bureau Foundation reports any products containing recyclable metals at agricultural businesses have been stolen, including copper wire, stainless steel tanks and aluminum irrigation pipes. Copper wire is the metal most often stolen in all counties.

Since January 2006, metal thefts from agricultural businesses have jumped 200 percent. The total loss for eight Central Valley counties and Monterey County through October of 2006 was about $2.5 million. Fresno leads the Central Valley as the county with the highest number of metal thefts.

Last May, Ag Task Force detectives in Fresno County launched Operation Heavy Metal, a three-month investigation to cut copper wire thefts in the county by 50 percent. By the end of October the goal was exceeded by detectives who staked out local scrap yards and questioned recyclers and sellers.

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For more: California Farm Bureau Federation, 2300 River Plaza Drive, Sacramento, CA 95833; (916) 561-5500, fax (916) 561-5695; www.cfbf.com.