Gage County Sheriff’s Office investigating copper wire theft from irrigation system

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Gage County Sheriff’s Office is warning farmers of recent copper wire theft from an irrigation system.

In a press release Thursday, the sheriff’s office said the theft happened sometime between the end of the 2024 harvest and Jan. 31.

About 1,275 feet of control cable or alignment wire, essential for operating a center pivot irrigation system, were stolen near South 96th and East Cedar roads.

The sheriff’s office said additional main power wires and cables were also cut from the irrigation system.

The estimated value of loss and damage “exceeds” $30,000, according to the sheriff’s office.

The theft has “raised concerns” of the potential for other unreported thefts in the area, authorities said.  Farmers are asked to check their pivots for loss or damage.

Anyone who might have witnessed suspicious activity around the time of the theft is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 402-223-5222.