Combatting the Valley's metal theft problem

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Authorities will wrap up an expanded probation and parole search to combat the Valley's metal theft problem.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office says $2.7 million worth of Ag equipment and metal was reported stolen last year. Of that, $1.4 million was metal theft. The latest crackdown netted both arrests and recovered property.

Members of the Fresno County Ag crimes task force came to a home to talk to the parents of a parolee who hasn't been checking in.

Farmers spotted the man hauling a tractor in Orange Cove. Authorities later found the tractor and at a second location discovered several items of interest in this backyard.

This large pipe would be cut up and sold as scrap metal but it would cost the farmer well over a $1,000 to replace. A man named Michael Grieb was taken into custody.

Ken Brookman with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said, "He's suspected of stealing the well pipe and possibly some other items in the Orange Cove area."

Several other pipes were also found in the backyard. Detectives say the wave of thefts on the farm is fueled by drug addiction.

Brookman said, "When we made contact with Mr. Grieb here he had a meth pipe on him."

It is a never ending battle with batteries, copper wire and ATV's all disappearing. Sgt. Rick Hushaw of the Fresno County Ag Crimes Task Force says thieves are drawn to open orchards and vineyards.

"They will take advantage of that," said Sgt. Hushaw. "There's few witnesses and lots of equipment and property out there to be taken."

These sweeps are focused on stopping repeat offenders. They involved probation officers and CHP officers.