Pot thefts increase with harvest season

Pot thefts increase with harvest season

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

BY Soumitro Sen
Staff Writer



Three recent marijuana thefts continue to point toward greater crime with the harvesting season underway.

"We are seeing (pot thefts) all over the county," Sgt. Bill Smethers with the Nevada County Narcotics Task Force said. "But no one has been arrested (so far)."

At 1:52 p.m. Friday, a caller from the 23000 block of Highway 49 reported theft of marijuana plants.

At 3:46 a.m. Saturday, a woman from the 13000 block of Clover Leaf Court reported people in her backyard taking medical marijuana.

Six hours later on the 18000 block of Lazy Lane, a woman reported theft of medical marijuana during the night.

People often hesitate to contact law enforcement officers when a theft occurs because "they could have illegal activities that they don't want law enforcement to know of," Smethers said. "Or, perhaps they fear retaliation from those who've stolen from them. ...

"Someone got ripped off down the street from where I live, and it never got reported," Smethers added.

Those who steal the plants often come from out of the area, knowing there's a greater chance of finding marijuana in a rural setting like Nevada County, Smethers said.

In any case, pot plants are more accessible now with people growing medical marijuana openly in their backyards, said Sgt. Doug Wren with the Grass Valley Police Department.

"If you're going to legalize growing marijuana, you're going to find more people who'll want to steal it," Wren added.

"If the weather holds out, (growers) leave the plants out in the open for as long as possible," Smethers said. "If there is morning dew or rain which can cause the plant to mildew, people will harvest them."

The marijuana harvest season typically spans October and early November, Smethers said.

To contact Soumitro Sen, e-mail ssen@theunion.com or call 477-4229.


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