You don't need to tell Jason Purcell that theft is a problem for east Yuma County residents such as himself.

When the Roll-area resident returned from visiting family in California recently, he noticed that a dirt bike belonging to his son had been stolen from an enclosed patio area at his residence.

"When I got back I saw the bike was gone," Purcell said. "Two of my neighbors told me they had heard a motorcycle on the canal road between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. the Saturday that I was gone."

Purcell thinks theft in the east county has become so bad it has reached what he says is "epidemic proportions."

While he didn't have any statistics, Capt. Eben Bratcher of the Yuma County Sheriff's Office said an overwhelming number of the thefts in east county are being committed by drug users to finance their drug habits.

"There is a drug culture out there." Bratcher said. "We are aware of it and doing what we can to combat it."

Purcell agrees drugs are causing thefts to climb east of Telegraph Pass. And while he doesn't know who stole his property, he suspects the theft was drug-related.

"The dope fiends out here are actually casing people's property so they know what to come back later and steal."

Purcell, who has had property stolen before, said he was concerned the dirt bike might one day be stolen, so he marked it so he would be able to positively identify it if it were ever recovered..

In addition to the dirt bike, which cost $800, Purcell said he has had about $400 worth of yard tools stolen.

"I'm just really sick of this," Purcell said.

But Bratcher said property crimes associated with drug use are no more prevalent in the east county than anywhere else in the county.

"The truth is, these types of property crimes are happening everywhere. These tweekers will steal anything they think they can trade for drugs or sell for a quick buck."

The best way to prevent these type of crimes, Bratcher said, is to report any suspicious activity.

"If you suspect there is drug activity occurring somewhere, then it probably is. If we arrest these drug users, then they won't be out there committing these crimes while they are in jail."

Another suggestion Bratcher had is for residents to lock up their property if at all possible.

"Protect yourself so you don't become an easy target. If you don't, these drug users will steal your property."

Purcell said with the winter visitors returning to the area soon, he thinks the theft problem is only going to get worse.

"You shouldn't have to work all your life to buy nice things only to have it stolen by these punk, cowardly dopers who only care about getting their next fix."


----
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.