The patch in Eddy County, New Mexico, is seeing a lot of property-related crime this year. Jessica Onsurez, writing for the Carlsbad Current-Argus, reported on Sunday that thefts from drilling sites have been an ongoing problem all year long. One example she cites is the theft, sometime between November 15-19, thieves broke into a fenced yard on property leased by Ulterra Drilling Inc. After forcing their way in, the thieves stole a 160-pound Ulterra U616 drill bit, valued at $39,000. There have been no arrests so far. Danny Jordan, manager of Ulterra's regional office in Hobbs, told Onsurez that this is not the first time the company, which operates several sites in the Permian Basin and northern Texas, has been the victim of larceny. "We've had several thefts, and all of them in Eddy County," Jordan said. Eddy County Undersheriff Mark Cage said that the oilfields in the county were a prime target for criminals, citing the growing number of transient workers and large areas of property which needed to be policed by an understaffed department. Other recent thefts include trucks, tools, generators and wiring from not only drill sites but also oil and gas service companies according to the Sheriff's Office. This year, 220 thefts have been reported, with copper wire being the most common item taken from oilfield sites and service businesses. The situation is unlikely to improve, as Eddy County Sheriff, Scott London, says his agency is facing potential staffing shortages in the coming year due in part to 20 percent of his staff being eligible for retirement in 2014. Compounding the problem is the county's low unemployment rates, owing to a booming economy fueled by the oil and gas industry. Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Eddy County Crime Stoppers at 575-887-1888. All tips are anonymous and could result in a $1,000 reward.