BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Over the last several months, there has been an increase in metal and copper wire thefts across the county according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

The thefts have caused significant damage to property and monetary loss to the victims.

During the investigations, KCSO's Rural Crime Investigation Unit detecitives developed probable cause to arrest two individuals regarding the thefts. On December 19, detectives served a search warrant near 8000 Vera Avenue and near 5000 Redbank Road where they located irrigation valves and metal stakes that were stolen from a local farming company.

Detectives arrested and booked Christopher Miller, 50, and Christopher Shepherd, 47 for grand theft, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.