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The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) and Crime Stoppers have launched an investigation into the theft of five cattle from the Texas Thomas Arena between Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Dec. 4.
The three organizations are currently seeking any tips or information regarding the theft of the five head of roping calves. The calves --- a red heifer, a red brindle heifer, a black mottled-face heifer, a red mottled- face heifer and a brown brindle heifer --- were marked with fly tags in their right ears. TSCRA Special Ranger Nathan Hale recommended locals nearby the arena to check their security cameras for unfamiliar vehicles.
“If we have camera systems around, then we can run license plates through and vehicles through and figure out those vehicles across those areas,” Hale said. “I highly encourage people to be cognizant of what’s going on around them. If they see something that just don’t look right, take a picture.”
Arena operator Toriano Thomas discovered five of his seven roping calves missing that Wednesday evening. Thomas said he went to feed the cattle after closing at the BBQ spot.
“We noticed that the fence was shut but the gate was still dummy locked,” Thomas said. “…Somebody went in, you can see the tire tracks around the arena…and they bagged up and loaded the cows and went out and dummy locked the gate back to make me believe that the cows had broken out.” Thomas reported that no other livestock were on the property. He contacted CCSO and TSCRA who collected photos, statements and a list of names who were involved with Texas Thomas Arena. He said he hopes to recover the cattle for local kids.
“I didn’t buy the cattle for me. I bought the cattle for the kids and the community to have something to do,” Thomas said. “…I was trying to do my part even though I don’t have any biological kids in Columbus to get the kids something to do something positive.”
Hale shared that he and CCSO are investigating every lead as they and Colorado County Crime Stoppers receive them. He said TSCRA is monitoring livestock sale markets and state inspections of cattle crossing state borders. However, Hale covers numerous counties and is based out of Industry.
“We are all chasing leads together. If I can’t get out to a lead, I get ahold of their investigator, and their investigators jump right on it. They’ll run with that lead and determine if it’s good or bad.”
Hale said he highly encourages livestock owners to take numerous preventative measures against theft, namely branding. Brands should also be registered with the county clerk’s office. Other preventative measures include installing cameras, developing rapport with neighbors, and locking gates in multiple locations.
“Take videos of your cows. Take pictures of your cows,” Hale said. “If there’s something that stands out on that cow, [like] that cow has a weird marking on it, take a picture of it. It helps us to identify.”
Thomas said he posted about a $1,000 award on Facebook when the theft was discovered. Crime Stoppers’ Facebook announcement about the theft listed a $2,000 reward for any information leading to the identity and arrest of any individual(s) involved in the case. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by using their P3 system form, calling the Tip Hot Line at (866) 522-8477 or texting “TIP4CASH” to 274637.
