The Yolo County Sheriff’s Department is implementing a crime-prevention program for Yolo County farmers and ranchers. The initiative, known as the Owner Applied Number (OAN) program, operates as part of the statewide Agricultural Crime Technology Information and Operations Network.
Under the OAN program, farmers and ranchers are issued a unique number that can be stamped, engraved or branded into equipment. The number is maintained by the owner and can be used to identify items. OAN numbers are entered into state and federal computer systems if the item is reported stolen. The Owner Applied Number is used in addition to the equipment serial number issued by the manufacturer, if any.
This crime-prevention program is being offered by the Sheriff’s Team of Active Retired Seniors (STARS) at no cost to the property owner. Citizen volunteers who are members of the STARS program visit farms and ranches by invitation, and apply the numbers to equipment selected by the owner. The number is then provided to the Sheriff’s Office if the property is stolen.
Law-enforcement agencies can track stolen items through the California Department of Justice and the National Crime Information Center computer systems. If a stolen item is identified in the system, it will be returned to the owner and the information used to prosecute the offender.
To date, the STARS have visited 16 Yolo County agricultural businesses and have marked more than 1,900 items. Each property owner who participates in the program is given signs for posting, warning that the property is protected by the Owner Applied Number program.
Individuals or businesses interested in participating in this free crime prevention program may contact Sheriff’s Operation Technician Suzanne Ramalia at 530-668-5298 to schedule an appointment.