Det. Darin Pearson from the Kings Co. Sheriff's Office said, "But what the suspects are doing now they're still hitting the farmers only now they're breaking into the shops they're stealing welders power tools vehicles quads.
Fuel is still being stolen, as well. This farmer right off Highway 198 says he's been victim too many times to Ag criminals. Recently, thieves took thousands of gallons of gasoline from these tanks.
John Toledo said, "The previous couple years it's been pretty rough."
Detective Pearson says Ag crimes are still at an all-time high which is why he's upset the governor's latest budget proposal, calls for the elimination of the California Rural Crimes Prevention Task Force. Valley task force costs three million dollars and provides Ag crime detectives to sheriff's offices in Kings, Tulare, Kern, Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties.
Sheriff's officials say the $250,000 that funds three Ag detectives here in Kings County is vital to fighting Ag crime
Sheriff Chris Jordan said, "Three million dollars in terms of the multibillion dollar budget the state has is peanuts so its not going to balance the budget but the impact that it has on our rural community is huge."
Detective Pearson says the task force allows agencies all over the Central Valley to share information which allows victims to get their stolen equipment back quickly. It also speeds up the prosecution of criminals.
"Ag crime appears now to be here to stay and it's going to be a serious problem for a long time to come," said Pearson.
Sheriff's officials are hopeful legislators will put the task force back in the budget before it gets approved.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
abc30 News Links:
Links to other news sections on our website.
- HomePage
- Top Headlines
- Fresno Local News
- State News
- National/World News
- Entertainment News
- Business News
- Politics News
- Sports News
- Health Watch
- Consumer Watch
- Mr. Food
Breaking News Alerts:
Click Here to Sign-Up for Breaking News E-Mail Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts in your email inbox.
Click Here to Sign-Up for Text Message Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts right on your cell phone.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
