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Local farms targeted in series of metal thefts
Three suspects arrested in thefts of brass pipe valves, copper wiring
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More from County NewsLocal farms have been hit recently by a rash of thefts targeting metal valves, pipes and wire, authorities said.
Since December, more than 20 metal thefts, many involving brass irrigation valves and copper wiring, have been reported at Camarillo area farms, said Capt. Guy Stewart of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
During the same period, six thefts of irrigation pipe and picking ladders were reported at farms in the Santa Clara Valley.
Rob Roy, president and general counsel of the Ventura County Agricultural Association, said at least five strawberry farms in the Oxnard plain area have been victims of similar thefts.
The Agricultural Association is a nonprofit trade organization charged with promoting the county's agricultural industry.
Thieves have long filched produce, tools and other metal objects from local farms, but farmers have noticed an unusual spike in metal thefts over the past month, Roy said.
"This seems to be rather widespread," he said.
Businesses around the county and the nation have seen thefts of copper and other recyclable metals increase dramatically in recent years as the prices of commodity and scrap metals increased.
Copper futures for July delivery are now $3.75 per pound on Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, according to Bloomberg.
Authorities believe thieves are targeting metal fixtures and pipes at farms with the goal of recycling them.
The damage done by the thefts extends far beyond the cost of the brass valves, copper wire and aluminium pipes being taken. For example, thieves are breaking pipes to steal attached valves, Roy said.
Ventura County Sheriff's deputies last week arrested three people they believe played a significant role in the crime spree.
Jorge Lara Gutierrez, 25, and Ulises Carranza, 18, both of Oxnard, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested Friday after allegedly stealing brass irrigation pipe valves and copper wiring, authorities said.
The three were under surveillance at the time. They could face charges that include grand theft, vandalism and conspiracy.
Posted by N_Cash on May 22, 2008 at 6:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The three were under surveillance at the time. They could face charges that include grand theft, vandalism and conspiracy."
Good, and after they serve their sentences they can be deported back to Mexico.
Posted by iproducer4u on May 22, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, let them serve their time, but why the racism about sending them back to Mexico just because of their last names, several Hispanics were born here too!!! If you forgot, this used to be Mexico before your times!!
Posted by whatever on May 22, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
iproducer4u get over yourself, this is AMERICA!! Always will be!
Posted by dortega1124 on May 22, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A little history update. I acknowledge that this is AMERICA; however, this country will always have MEXICANS in it whether anyone likes it or not. So get used to it. We've been here before any Anglo/European (or whatever they like to be called now days) has travelled to this area and will always be here after they leave. Don't be jealous cuz we're doing the same thing the Europeans did years ago in the late 19th century and early 20th century... immigrate. And if I can recall... those early immigrants were treated like "criminals" also. And I don't ever remember reading about them being deported because of negative sentiment from the public.
Posted by iproducer4u on May 22, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To whatever, just like your name says "Whatever" You need to grip the reality and roll with it! I know my roots and am very proud to be Hispanic and own my own business where I have every American buying from me!!
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