Sheriff investigates metal thefts from county farms

EPHRATA – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is investigating five recent thefts of steel and aluminum livestock corral panels from Moses Lake area farms and ranches.

These thefts have resulted in losses totaling thousands of dollars. The sheriff’s office reminds farmers and cattlemen there are some things they can do to reduce the opportunity for theft.

“I know farmers and cattlemen are frustrated by these thefts, and I am, too,” Sheriff Tom Jones said. “Right now there isn’t any pattern to the thefts, but we know somebody out there has information on who is stealing the metal and equipment.”

People with helpful information are asked to call the sheriff's office at 762-1160, or send an email to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Either way, the caller can choose to be anonymous.

Jones suggests forming a Neighborhood Watch in rural areas. If the thieves find they are being watched or have a good chance of getting caught, they will go find an easier place in another area to steal metal items,” he said.

Jones also suggests:

• Mark your property with paint color, or combination of colors, to help investigators identify your property once it is recovered.
• Use a random schedule to check your equipment. Thieves will watch your your comings and goings to determine a pattern of your farm operations.
• Maintain an inventory with the description, serial number, chassis number, and model numbers of your equipment.
• Photograph and video tape machinery and valuable items of equipment – store them in a safe place with the inventory.
• Stolen metals have a ready market. Report all suspicious activity to the police immediately.