28 Arrested in Ventura County Agricultural Thefts

In response to a surge in agricultural thefts in Ventura County, California, the Sheriff's Office conducted an operation from August 16-18, 2024, leading to the arrest of 28 individuals. The operation, which involved deputies from various units, targeted recent burglaries and vehicle thefts impacting local farms, particularly noting a spike in tractor thefts where recovered tractors were often stripped of key components. Despite initial challenges due to the rural setting and lack of witnesses, the collaborative effort yielded two recovered stolen vehicles and potential leads on additional suspects. The Sheriff's Office has urged farmers to take preventative measures, such as hiding vehicle keys and marking equipment with the Owner Applied Number system. Ongoing investigations suggest more arrests may follow, and the community is encouraged to report suspicious activity. The Sheriff's Office has provided contact information for those with tips regarding the crimes.