Cattle Thefts on the rise

State rural crime investigators, ranchers and agriculture officials say they suspect rising prices for cattle and beef as likely factors in livestock thefts in Alabama and elsewhere. The 10-person Alabama Agricultural and Rural Crime Unit has investigated numerous reports of stolen livestock and farm equipment since it was assembled last year.  Eleven Charolais cattle valued at about $12,000 were reported stolen in late June from a farm in Boaz, according to a report from the Etowah County Sheriff's Office. In late May, two men accused of stealing more than 50 cattle and farm equipment in south DeKalb County were also arrested on charges of theft, receiving stolen property and other offenses, according to the State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.  The thieves typically lure cattle into a pen with food while the animals aren't being monitored.   Jeff Buttram, said thieves stole 23 cows and 28 calves worth about $70,000 from his farm in Geraldine. His farming equipment had been targeted before, and Buttram said thieves also stole the security equipment he used to monitor his property and livestock after the initial thefts.  The cattle are usually sold to stockyards — sometimes out of state — unless auctioneers recognize tags or other identifying information and determine the livestock don't belong to the person selling it.