Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says a newly-formed task force is having success in combating rural crime, such as the theft of farm animals and equipment.
Bentley joined officials with the Agriculture Rural Crime Unit Thursday at a news conference at a cattle farm near Montgomery. Since June, agents with the newly-formed unit have made 14 felony arrests and have recovered more than a half million dollars in stolen property.
Alabama Law Enforcement Secretary Spencer Collier says the new unit is part of an initiative to consolidate state law enforcement efforts.
A rural crime tip line has been established for members of the public to report a farm crime. People can call 1-855-75CRIME (1-855-752-7463) to speak with an analyst at the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.