Kern deputies arrest two for attempted pistachio theft

Attempted theft of a truckload of pistachios led to the arrest of two people in Kern County.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office Rural Crime Investigation Unit reported last week that detectives and deputies responded to a pistachio and almond distribution center after receiving a report of people allegedly trying to fraudulently pick up a shipment of pistachios. Detectives valued the nuts at approximately $200,000.

A report from the sheriff's office said upon arriving at the distribution center, deputies learned the people had fled the scene in a semi-truck and trailer. Deputies said they located the truck and trailer on Interstate 5 as its driver tried to leave the area.

During the investigation, the sheriff's office said, detectives determined the trailer to have been stolen and also discovered the two suspects had allegedly attempted to falsify their identities and employer to acquire the shipment of pistachios.

Two men, Arman Karapetyan, 32, of Van Nuys and Manuk Aghajanyan, 30, of Glendale, were arrested on charges of grand theft of cargo and possession of a stolen vehicle.

To prevent theft of cargo to be picked up by a trucking company and secured through a broker, law enforcement officials recommend businesses properly identify the truck driver and the company he or she represents, and ensure the information provided matches all paperwork and shipping orders.

In addition, authorities say business owners should request and photocopy the trucker's driver's license, and photograph the driver. Detectives also recommend that business owners photograph the truck and trailer, the truck's license plate and its U.S. Department of Transportation number, add GPS trackers to each load to monitor the load, and install surveillance cameras.