The Fresno County’s Sheriff’s Ag Task Force is investigating a rash of chain link fencing thefts in the Fresno, Reedley and Sanger areas.

There have been four reports in the last six weeks, with none of the metal turning up at area scrap yards, leading investigators to believe it is being sold privately or being reused, according to a news release.

The estimated losses from the thefts is upwards of $28,500 and likely more.

The first incident happened on April 12, where 250 feet of chain link were cut and stolen from around a citrus orchard in the area of Buttonwillow and Jefferson avenues in Reedley. Total loss estimates are $7,000-$10,000, including labor and materials.

Between April 25 and May 2, 1,050 feet of fencing and 84 metal posts were stolen from a vineyard near Chestnut and Mountain View avenues in Fresno, with a total loss of $16,000.

On May 8, fencing was stolen from the area of Buttonwillow and Sumner avenues in Reedley, about two miles from the April 12 incident. Now loss estimates were available.

Then on May 11 or May 12, 350 feet of fencing was taken from the area of Annadale and Reed avenues in Sanger, for a total loss of $2,500.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages property owners to mark their fencing in a way that could make it identifiable if it is stolen and recovered, such as spraying paint lines across the fence.

If anyone is approached by someone trying to sell fencing materials, the Sheriff’s Office asks that they contact local law enforcement and report as much information about the seller as possible.

Anyone with specific information about the recent thefts is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Ag Task Force at 559-600-8150 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”>agcrimes@fresnosheriff.org.

Anonymous calls can also be made to Crime Stoppers 559-498-7867 with the possibility of a cash reward.