September 29, 2026 – Fresno County Sheriff’s Office officials report that during the last several days, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Air Support Unit has been actively flying over farms in Fresno County searching for stolen equipment.  After locating several possible matches in the rural areas of Kerman, detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Task Force drove to the locations to conduct checks on each piece of equipment.

On Monday, September 28th, detectives responded to an orchard southwest of the city of Kerman.  There they recovered a stolen 2021 John Deere tractor (model 5125 ML), a 2016 Flory almond harvester (model 860) and a Jack Rabbit almond harvester.  The total value of the three pieces of equipment is $460,000.  All have been returned to their owners.

On Saturday, September 26th, detectives responded to a field northwest of the city of Kerman.  There they recovered a stolen 2019 John Deere tractor (model 5115 ML) and a 2026 Flory almond conditioner (model CP 87).  These are the same two pieces of equipment that were reported stolen last week near Yuba and Shields Avenues, northwest of the city of Kerman.  While at this location, detectives also found a stolen Jack Rabbit almond harvester from a different case.  The total value of the three pieces of equipment is $350,000.  All were returned to their owners.

These recoveries come on the heels of an investigation on Thursday, September 24th, where detectives recovered a 2026 John Deere tractor (model 5130 ML) and a 2026 Flory almond conditioner (model CP 87), which were stolen from the Mendota / Firebaugh area in early September.  The total value of the two pieces of equipment is $265,000.  Both were returned to their owners.

Detectives are working to identify the suspects responsible for these thefts and can use the public’s help.  Anyone who has recently witnessed suspicious activity, saw agricultural equipment being moved or has relevant surveillance footage, is encouraged to contact investigators.

Detectives believe additional stolen agricultural equipment might be abandoned in orchards.  Detectives are asking members of the farming community to check their personal inventory and report any equipment that might look out of place or is unknown to the area.

Please call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Agricultural Crimes Task Force at (559) 600-8150 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org.  You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

Source & photos: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office