PORTERVILLE, CA — Bobby Rader, the Porterville Police Chief and former head of the Tulare County Agricultural Crime Unit, has introduced a new security device called Cop-R-Lock to protect local farms from copper wire theft.

The tool helps protect farmers from the massive repair bills caused by copper theft. There is a huge difference between how much a thief makes and how much the crime costs a farmer. While a thief may only make about $150 from selling stolen copper from one site, the damage caused to irrigation systems often costs farmers from $5,000 to over $100,000 in repairs.

How Cop-R-Lock Works

The Cop-R-Lock system uses trigger wires and sensors placed inside electrical panels and the pipes that hold wiring. If someone tampers with the equipment, the device triggers loud sirens and bright, flashing lights. At the same time, it sends instant alerts to a mobile app and law enforcement.

The system offers much-needed help to farmers as copper theft continues to hurt the local economy. Videos of the system show would-be thieves giving up and running away as soon as they trigger the alarm system.

The issue has grown alongside the rising price of copper, which reached a record $5.96 per pound in 2025. Across the country, copper theft costs the economy more than $1 billion every year. Locally, Fresno County businesses lost $3 million to copper theft in 2023.

Peak Theft Season

According to Rader, copper theft on farms typically peaks between November and March. During these months, remote irrigation pumps are often inactive and unmonitored, making them easy targets. Tulare County is at high risk because it has so many irrigation pumps in remote areas near roads.

Farmers can use Cop-R-Lock units to protect several types of farm equipment, including irrigation pumps, vehicles, batteries, and fencing. The units are easy to install, usually taking only a few hours to set up.

Partnership and Availability

Chief Rader partnered with a company called FarmBlox to manufacture and sell the system. The units cost between $3,000 and $4,000. Farmers also have the option to lease the equipment to help spread out the cost.

You can find more information about the system at https://www.farmblox.com/coprlock.