Anhydrous ammonia used more in Texas' crop-producing areas

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas

February 28, 2002 -- Law enforcement officials in the South Central Texas region say the problem of anhydrous ammonia thefts is insignificant.

Fayette County Sheriff Rick Vandel reported there has been little or no reports of these types of theft in South Central Texas, of which they are aware.

La Grange Police Chief Jackie Skelton said these thefts are " ... mostly north of Texas, but moving toward Texas."

In Northeast Texas, especially in the counties along the Red River were many crops are produced, one fertilizer dealer, who asked to remain anonymous, told a reporter in Country World's East Texas office that not a month goes by that someone is caught trying to steal from the tanks. That company's tanks are closely watched by the employees and law enforcement officials.

"Also, a good clue to someone wanting anhydrous (for illegal purposes) is when they ask for five pounds or a few gallons for their garden," a company spokeperson said.

In South Central Texas, since there are few fertilizer plants or commercial size farms, and most smaller producers do not keep this ingredient on their land, the chance for theft is much smaller than in areas where there are a lot of plants, according to Skelton.