Rogers County Rancher Catches Hay Thief On Game Camera

There's a hay thief in Rogers County, and a frustrated rancher who got that thief's image on video.

Rogers County deputies can't be everywhere, all the time. So, when a rancher southwest of Chelsea repeatedly had large round bales stolen, he put out a motion activated game camera.

"We've got career criminals and thugs that drive around all night with nothing else to do but steal from people," said Sheriff Scott Walton.

The video clearly shows an opportunistic thief stealing big round bales of hay. Seven were stolen, valued at about $75 each.

During a drought, agriculture is hard enough. The theft of any available hay makes it even worse.

"It is a gamble, and you just don't need other people trying to make the business harder for them," Walton said.

"For someone to come and take your hard work, that had no involvement in it, it's heartbreaking and very frustrating," said Deputy Virgil Carter.

The images show the suspect in a white, late 70s Ford pickup. There's a hay spike on the back of it, and what's called a headache rack protecting the cab.

"Here we have a pretty identifiable video," Walton said.

Investigators hope that evidence from the smart thinking rancher with the game camera will help lead to the thief. In the meantime, they'll patrol as much as they can, but they also want folks to be on the lookout for that truck or any other suspicious vehicle.

"If they see lights out in the field at night, where they know they're not supposed to be, we want those type of calls," Walton said.

Once he's caught, the thief will likely face several charges including criminal trespassing and theft.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest, or if they see anything suspicious, can call the Rogers County Sheriff's Office tip line at 918-341-3620.