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By For The Madera Tribune - Senator Jeff Denham

From diesel and ag equipment to metal theft, thieves are making out like bandits at the expense of California farmers and ag businesses.

According to the Agricultural Crime Technology and Operations Network Projects, metal theft increased by 100 percent in 2005 compared to the theft rate of the previous year.

Even worse, in 2006 the theft rate jumped by 400 percent. The theft of copper, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and bronze is out of control.

As an almond farmer and an ag-business owner, I know how these thefts impact the farm and ag business.

Many times the value of the metal stolen from the farm or ranch costs very little compared to the labor expense it takes to replace the metal or the damage done to retrieve the metal.

For example, in one case in Merced County, thieves stole 15 feet of copper wire worth approximately $30. However, the copper wire was located in three electrical poles that were bringing in electricity to the farm's irrigation pumps. In the process of the theft, these criminals pulled the poles out of the ground, toppled several almond trees and broke an irrigation pump. For $30 worth of wire, they caused the farmer $5,000 in damages, not including the labor costs to repair the damage.

The California State Senate will soon have the opportunity to act on important metal theft prevention legislation, Assembly Bill 844 (Berryhill), which I have proudly co-authored. AB 844 would enact new restrictions on the purchase of metals by junk dealers and recyclers. Existing law requires these businesses to keep written records of all sales and purchases to include: the name of the seller, driver's license number, vehicle's license number and more.

This new measure, however, would require all purchases by junk dealers and recyclers to be paid by check with a 3-day holding period.

This new process will not only create a paper trail, but would make metal theft a less lucrative business for those looking to make a quick buck. AB 844 also allows immediate payment by check if the buyer obtains a photo identification of the seller, records the seller's address, photographs the specified metals being purchased and keeps those records for two years.

AB 844 is a great step in combating one aspect of rural crime in our agricultural communities. By adding a few extra steps like photo identification and payment by check, metal theft will no longer be an easy and lucrative business.

Thieves will be less likely to steal from our farms, ranches and businesses, because the quick cash is no longer available.

I encourage you to write and call your state representatives and share your support of this measure. AB 844 is a measure that agriculture and ag businesses should stand united on and support.