Five people have been arrested in connection with a string of more than 20 farm and ranch burglaries on the Central Coast.
Investigators call it a complex burglary ring case which targeted agricultural equipment, and supplies in Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The string of thefts started in the Santa Maria Valley and Nipomo areas nearly a year ago. Items ranging from generators and water pumps to expensive agricultural chemicals were taken in the string of burglaries, with total losses in the $40,000 range. The stolen items were sold on the street or in some cases to other unsuspecting farmers.
Detectives from both the Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Offices worked together to crack the case.
Five people were arrested this week in connection with the thefts. A sixth wasn’t arrested, but is facing charges stemming from the operation. About $20,000 worth of stolen items were recovered from two storage lockers in Santa Maria.