By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

April 4, 2006 - Although Pete Vacek of Fort Bend County had 27 animals stolen from his property seven weeks ago, as of press deadline on April 3, there was no sign or word the rustlers have been identified, much less held accountable for the crime.

Vacek noted that not only have there been no arrests in his case, but that there have been more cattle stolen around San Angelo and Brazoria County.

“I think we’re fighting a lost cause,” explained Vacek, “…my nerves are shot!”

As reported in an earlier story, during the past six months, a small “gang” of thieves have used the cover of darkness to enter properties and lure about 450 head of cattle, worth an estimated $500,000, from private properties in the Houston area.

Vacek said that if anybody knew anything about the rustling, “they weren’t talking. ... It’s not fair that a thief’s got more rights than an honest person.”

With a value of almost $28,000, Vacek is trying to figure out what he can do to keep up his livelihood until the case is solved. He noted that he still has plenty of grazing land and hay for feed, if anyone is interesting in working out something with him while he’s waiting to hear about his own cattle.

Vacek’s brand is a “turkey foot,” so anyone purchasing cattle, or has purchased some recently, is asked to watch for the marking.

(Anyone with information concerning Vacek’s theft or interested his feed commodities, call him at 979-793-6957 or 281-932-1358.)