COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Livestock theft may sound like something that would have happened back in the wild west but it is a modern day issue.
According to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, over the last few years cattle thefts in Texas and the southwest region have steadily gone up.
Just last month, a man in Brazos County tried to purchase cattle with a fake check.
Scott Scarmardo is the general manager at Brazos Valley livestock.
"You have suspicious sellers show up and they make themselves suspicious," says Scarmardo.
About once month, Scarmardo says he is contacted by the Texas Cattle Rangers to keep a look out for cattle thieves
"Seems like a lot of non-rural people don't believe that but yes, it is an ongoing problem. It seems like in the last 10 years it's gone up," says Ranger Brent Mast.
Ranger Mast is currently working on three live stock theft cases in Leon, Madison and Grimes counties. When someone steals something like a TV, it usually doesn't resell at shelf price but stolen cattle is sold at market value.
"A full grown bred crow can go for $1,500 to $2,000," says Scarmardo.
To avoid theft, the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association recommends ranchers brand their livestock and record that brand with the county clerk. They should keep their property locked up and check in on the cattle frequently, but not on a set schedule.
"The quicker you can call us about your stolen livestock, the better your chances are of getting it back," says Ranger Mast.
The penalty for stealing cattle or horses worth less than $100,000 is between two to 10 years in prison.
