COP-R-LOCK security system helping deter criminals from Ag and copper thefts

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Turning passion into purpose, for 16 years, Bobby Rader has worked in the Ag-Crimes unit of a local law enforcement agency.

Growing increasingly frustrated with copper wire thefts and lack of accountability for criminals, he knew something needed to be done to protect local farmers.

That's when the COP-R-LOCK security system was born.

"We created change that was desperately needed. Copper wire theft has been tolerated way too long. This is a billion-dollar problem, just in ag, not counting municipalities and cities, copper wire theft is massive and it impacts so many people," says Bobby Rader, the creator of COP-R-LOCK security system.

Over the last two years, Rader has turned his idea into a reality.

Currently, there are four systems installed and 20 more in progress..

"There is no way a criminal can begin the theft without triggering the copper lock, if they cut conduit, if they cut wires, just opening this panel will trigger the copper lock. Lights, sirens, consequences, notifications to the farmer," explains Rader.

Experts say a hundred dollars' worth of stolen copper could cost the farmer tens of thousands of dollars.

And the impacts go beyond the price tag.

"Once they damage their equipment, they are down on farming operations, they can't irrigate and if they are in season, they lose the irrigation cycle and that hurts their crop," mentions Ben Guyer with Willits Pump and Equipment in Exeter.

COP-R-LOCK is patent pending and is now working in partnership with Farmblox.

Rader says he is hopeful thieves will be held accountable, "I have been an ag crimes expert for 16 years. I have never responded to a copper wire theft in progress, but now we can. Now we can go to a copper wire theft in progress, that changes everything. That is music to the ears of a good cop."

A typical setup will cost under $4,000, which is a fraction of what repair costs would be.

There are also rental options, making the system more affordable.

For more details, you can learn more on Farmblox's official website here.

For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.