California community cracking down on walnut thefts

A Central California county is going after walnut thieves.

Stanislaus County supervisors are set to consider an ordinance on Tuesday that would require anyone buying, selling or possessing walnuts for commercial purposes to show proof of ownership. The proof of ownership would require more information than what state officials currently mandate.

The ordinance would also establish a buying period for nuts.

It comes as farmers have reported an uptick in walnut thefts. The nuts’ price of six cents each along with the ease with which they can be gathered have made them a target.

Five other California counties have similar regulations.