THIEVES ATTEMPTING TO STEAL POT POSED AS POLICE OFFICERS

OROVILLE -- The Butte County Sheriff's Office warns that five recent
attempts to steal pot from medical marijuana growers have included
two incidents with shots fired and two in which thieves posed as law
enforcement.

In the latter incidents people possibly wearing some type of uniform
and identifying themselves as being from either the Sheriff's Office
or the Drug Enforcement Administration were allegedly involved.

In both instances, marijuana was reportedly taken.

The Sheriff's Office has arrested suspects in two of the five
incidents. Chico police have arrested one suspect who allegedly fired
a pistol at a grower in an attempt to steal pot plants from his yard.

Officials said anyone contacting the public about marijuana grows
will have proper law enforcement identification, such as badges, and
wear uniforms with patches identifying their agency.

If the property is being searched, a warrant will be presented, and
people being contacted or detained will be interviewed.

"Law enforcement is very concerned about individuals that are
carrying out these acts and the potential mistrust that citizens may
have when confronted by real law enforcement officers serving search
warrants," the Sheriff's Office stated in a press release.

The Butte County's Felony Investigation Unit has been vigorously
investigating the two cases.

Anyone with information pertaining to the robberies is strongly
encouraged to contact Felony Investigation Unit investigator Dan
Christian Michaels Angel at 538-7671.