Montgomery, Ala. (April 29, 2008) -- Alfa Insurance today announced it is offering an additional $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction for the theft of copper from poultry houses, farm irrigation systems and other property in Alabama covered by an Alfa Insurance policy. One of the Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits is a $1,000 reward offer for property theft.

“The theft of copper wiring and other valuable metals is growing, especially in our rural communities. Not only do the criminals that commit these acts cost our policyholders money, they often do thousands of dollars in damage to property and cripple the equipment and buildings farmers depend on for their livelihoods,” said Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby.

The $10,000 reward will be paid to the first person who furnishes information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons for the theft of copper taken from property in Alabama covered by an Alfa Insurance policy.

Alfa Insurance is the leading insurer of farms in the state. In recent months, dozens of farmers and other rural residents have reported copper theft. Anyone with information related to the theft of copper is encouraged to contact local law enforcement officials.

Last year, the Alabama Farmers Federation led the support for a new law requiring buyers of scrap metal to require proper identification of the seller in an attempt to provide a better database for law enforcement officials.

Alabama Farmers Federation, a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 440,000 members. Alfa and its affiliates provide insurance and other financial services to more than 1 million customers in 13 states.

MEDIA CONTACT:
David C. Rickey
Vice President, Public Relations
(334) 613-4034