A sheriff’s investigator hopes to turn over leads in a rash of battery thefts.

In Saunders County alone, about 60 batteries have been stolen from tractors, irrigation systems and pumps. Tim Drews had six batteries stolen from his hay cutting tractors. “It costs money out of your pocket because it isn’t enough to turn in for insurance, but it’s hard to start a tractor without a battery.”

Drews estimates the thefts cost him $750. And its not just tractors. The city of Yutan had two marine-strength batteries stolen from pumps. Each is valued at about $170 and one is less than six months old.

Saunders County Sheriff’s Department investigator Steve Malina is warning farmers and owners of any equipment to mark batteries with their name or some sort of identification. That way if recovered, the batteries can be returned.

Anyone with information on the battery thefts can call Saunders County at 402-443-1000.