CHEMICAL THEFT WARNING ISSUED

The opportunity for anhydrous ammonia thefts this spring will
increase substantially as farmers turn out to work fertilizer into
their fields, police warn.

Thefts of the nitrogen-based, corn fertilizer are becoming prevalent
in Illinois because it is an ingredient in making the illegal drug
methamphetamine. Anhydrous is used to extract ephedrine from other
ingredients in cold medicine. Ephedrine, in a highly concentrated and
chemically altered form, is meth's main ingredient.

A half-dozen thefts were reported to the McLean County Sheriff's
Department during the last half of 2000. One attempted theft resulted
in the arrest of two Arkansas men.

"I guess we'd say that any activity around any storage containers,
fixed facility or mobile tanks would be suspicious, particularly at
night or at times when the farmers aren't actively using the
anhydrous ammonia," said District 6 state police Master Sgt. Ted
Kerrn. "It would be considered very unusual for any person to be
drawing off any of the product in small, portable containers."

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association recommends farmers
have anhydrous ammonia tanks delivered on the day the fertilizer will
be applied, which would prevent tanks from sitting in unattended
fields. The small amounts typically taken aren't noticeable on tank
gauges, but hoses, gas canisters or footprints near storage tanks are
indicative of tampering or a theft, said McLean County Sheriff Dave
Owens.

"(Anhydrous tanks) are easy prey sitting out along the roads," Owens
said. "There have been a lot of tanks already put out in the fields.
I've got to believe a lot of thefts go on unreported."

State police received reports of 158 anhydrous ammonia thefts in
2000, but those numbers don't reflect incidents reported to city or
county law enforcement. The product is typically purchased in bulk
and the cost about $1 per gallon. But law enforcement officials say
it can bring hundreds of dollars per gallon from meth producers.

In some states, such as Missouri, fertilizer dealers have begun to
build fences with locked gates around their storage locations and
install more lighting. Dealers post signs around their facilities
saying the business is under surveillance.

Thieves typically carry containers ranging from thermoses to 5-gallon
propane tanks.

Stealing anhydrous ammonia can be extremely dangerous. The material
is stored in tanks as liquid; when it is released, it becomes a
volatile gas that is highly caustic to skin, eyes and mouth. Anyone
typically handling the material uses protective goggles and clothing.
Its storage and sale is closely regulated by the state Department of
Agriculture.

"We do want to emphasize that anhydrous ammonia can be very dangerous
if mishandled," Kerrn said. "The public should not try to intervene
if they see something suspicious."

District 6 state police cover McLean, Livingston and DeWitt counties.
To report a theft or suspicious activity in those areas, call (815)
844-3131 or call a local sheriff's office.