Location: Tulare/Kern/Kings Counties

Posted by: Media Relations

Throughout the last few months, farms, ranches and businesses in several area counties have been the target of property thefts. Everything from tractors, trailers and cars to lawnmowers and other property have been taken from a number of local farms.

After a two-month investigation, and with help from the Kings County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Unit and the Tulare Regional Auto Theft Taskforce, TCSO Ag Detectives tracked down and arrested 39-year-old Luciano Navarro of Corcoran for a number of charges, including grand theft of ag equipment, burglary and auto theft. At the time of his arrest, he was driving a stolen vehicle. Navarro was tied to the crimes not only by his confession, but also by physical evidence found at the scene.

During the course of this investigation, Detectives discovered Navarro was responsible for committing more than 30 thefts spanning Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties. They were able to recover five tractors, six trailers, two stolen vehicles and a John Deere riding lawnmower, with a combined total value of more than $150,000. Luciano Navarro was booked into the Kings County Jail, where he is being held on $275,000 bail and awaiting transfer to Tulare County for prosecution.

Sheriff Boudreaux wants to remind local ag partners and business owners that there are important safety measures you can be taking right now to keep your property safe. If you are able to do so, utilizing GPS equipment, as well as OAN’s (Owner Applied Numbers) is always incredibly helpful when it comes to preventing thefts. Security cameras are also a great way to monitor your property, and the value of having serial numbers available for deputies and investigators when needed cannot be stressed enough. SmartWater also remains an incredibly useful tool in tracking down stolen equipment and property. If you’re interested in learning more about it, don’t hesitate to contact the TCSO Ag Unit.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Detective Bryan De Haan, Detective Pete Verhoeven or Sergeant Bryan Clower with the TCSO Ag Unit at (559) 802-9567 or 24 hours (559) 733-6218, (800) 808-0488, Tip Now Line: (559) 725-4194, or by e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.