Nebraska farmers using irrigation equipment should check their systems before spring planting season for theft of copper wire.
The Fremont Tribune reports Dodge County Sheriff's Department Deputy Dave Rathjen says he's seen an increase in reports of copper wire theft. He says thieves steal the copper wire and sell it as scrap metal for a few hundred dollars. Damage to the irrigation systems can run into the thousands of dollars.
Farmer Chuck Folsom, who owns land north of Fremont says four pivots were damaged last spring costing $50,000 to repair. The Omaha man arrested for the theft is awaiting trial after being arrested in Iowa.
Deputy Rathjen says farmers can use electronic devices that alert property owners and authorities when a wire has been cut.
