For Immediate Release:  April 9, 2009
                          Contact:  Mike Brown, (928) 718-3756
 
THeft at Wild Horse and Burro Corrals...Reward Offered

 
KINGMAN, Ariz. - Two separate incidents of burglary and theft occurred at the BLM Kingman Wild Horse and Burro Corrals west of town in recent weeks.  In mid-March thieves broke into the facility and stole 28 steel panels valued at over $6,000. During the April 4 - 5 weekend, thieves struck again and took the facility generator valued at over $10,000. The incidents are under investigation by BLM Law Enforcement and the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.  A reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.

The panels are 12-feet long, 5-feet high, and silver colored. The generator is diesel, an Onan Model 60 and green colored.  “The theft of the generator just after the panels disappearing is very upsetting,” said BLM Kingman Field Manager Ruben Sanchez. “Because the generator was the only source of electricity we currently have at the new corrals, it means that BLM will incur additional expense to ensure that the horses and burros continue to get fresh water.”  Sanchez added, “There is no budget line item for theft or vandalism. What it means to the public is that something else we had planned to do, such as rehabilitate a campground or hire a college student for the summer, will have to be postponed.” 
“We’re hoping someone hears something or knows someone who was involved.” Sanchez concluded. 
  
If people have any information about the break-ins and theft, please contact BLM Law Enforcement at (602) 679-8119. 

The BLM manages more land – 256 million acres – than any other Federal agency.  This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western States, including Alaska.  The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.  The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.  The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.

-BLM-