FRESNO COUNTY - Detectives assigned to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Ag Task Force are investigating a series of goat thefts. From January 9, 2019 – March 7, 2019, there have been seven different reports of goats being stolen. A total of 61 goats, totaling $27,000 in loss, have gone missing from different private properties in the area between Easton and Riverdale. Ag Task Force detectives are also working with investigators in Kings and Tulare counties to try and generate leads in these cases.

One of the most notable cases of this series occurred during the night of Thursday, March 7th. Members of the Kingsburg 4-H club had 11 of their goats stolen from a pasture located on the 4200 block of S. Fruit Avenue in Fresno. The following weekend, the owners were able to safely recover four of their goats, which were found roaming on a roadway in Selma between Highways 41 and 43. The owners are offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of their remaining seven goats.

Detectives offer these tips to help protect your livestock. - Make sure your fencing and gates are secure. - Stay vigilant by watching your property for suspicious activity. Spread the word to neighbors and friends to do the same. - Consider locking up animals during the night. - Invest in trail cameras, which could capture images of suspicious vehicles and license plates. - Monitor websites where buying and selling take place. - Attend auction yards to view animals being sold. If your animals appear to be on the grounds, notify the auctioneer immediately to delay a sale. - Report any theft of livestock to local law enforcement right away.

Anyone with information on these cases of goat theft is ask to contact the Ag Task Force at (559) 600-8150, Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward.