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Across the Central Valley, nut growers are all too familiar with the aftermath of agricultural theft: cut conduit, disabled irrigation panels and the costly scramble to restore systems before water must flow. Copper theft, often dismissed as a small-value crime for thieves, carries an outsized price tag for growers in repair costs, lost productivity and irrigation delays. Preventing that damage almost always begins long before a culprit shows up.

Copper wiring, control panels and exposed electrical systems remain common targets because they are widespread, accessible and quick to cut. While the resale value of stolen copper is often minimal, the damage left behind rarely is. Repairs frequently require electrical labor, replacement components and time, all while irrigation schedules remain on hold.

“Copper wire theft has been tolerated way too long,” said Bobby Rader, interim chief of police in Porterville, Calif. Rader, who previously served as a captain with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, has worked closely with growers and law enforcement to address rural theft. “This is a billion-dollar problem that impacts growers, processors and communities far beyond the actual theft.”

January presents a rare opportunity to address these risks. With irrigation demand typically lower and maintenance crews already active, growers have time to evaluate vulnerable sites and strengthen defenses before spring operations place greater pressure on water delivery systems.

This is a billion-dollar problem that impacts growers, processors and communities far beyond the actual theft. — Bobby Rader, interim chief of police in Porterville

Building a layered approach to deterrence
Effective theft deterrence rarely relies on a single solution. Instead, it combines physical hardening, early detection and increased visibility to raise the effort and risk for would-be thieves.

Hardening infrastructure is often the first step. Reinforcing pump and electrical panels, replacing worn locks and hasps, and reducing exposed copper or unsecured conduit can slow theft attempts and limit damage. Even modest upgrades can make a site less attractive to opportunistic criminals.

Early detection and alert systems are also playing a growing role. Historically, many thefts went unnoticed until a system failed. Today, growers have access to tools that can alert them when panels are opened, wiring is disturbed or power is interrupted. These range from dedicated tamper-detection systems like the COP-R-LOCK™ security system manufactured by Farmblox, to remote monitoring features integrated into irrigation equipment, including Valley Irrigation’s Field Commander® platform. Commercial security providers also offer camera systems and motion sensors that improve visibility around pump sites and other critical infrastructure.

While no single approach fits every operation, these tools illustrate the range of options available, depending on orchard size, location and risk tolerance.

Deterrence through awareness and community
Visibility remains one of the most effective deterrents. Clear signage indicating monitored property, lighting around pump sites and regular inspections can discourage thieves seeking low-risk targets. Local sheriffs and agricultural crime units consistently recommend making it clear that infrastructure is monitored, even when systems are modest.

Coordination also matters. Growers who communicate with neighbors, share information about suspicious activities and report incidents promptly give law enforcement a better chance to respond and identify patterns. That shared awareness can extend protection beyond individual ranch boundaries.

The bottom line for growers
No single deterrent eliminates agricultural theft, but a layered approach that hardens infrastructure, improves detection and increases visibility raises the cost and risk for thieves. In doing so, it helps protect critical assets, reduce downtime and maintain irrigation reliability.

January is the time to walk pump sites with theft in mind. Strengthening defenses now can pay dividends later. Spring is a busy season, so make every minute, and every drop of water, count.