Cattle theft is becoming a big problem in rural parts of America. Officials call it a low-risk, high reward crime, according to reports.

The AP reported that millions of dollars in stolen cattle have been recovered in places like Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Offenders usually get a slap on the wrist while making a big profit as beef prices have raised 25 percent. But reports show that inflation is not always driving these criminals and some are just common criminals "looking for a fast buck."

Thieves can make thousands of dollars from lifting cattle and usually steal from small ranches. Officials told the AP that some thieves steal cattle hanging around the fence by the road, luring them with feed.

Reports show that cattle theft is getting worse every year resulting in some areas forming special task forces or organizations to catch the criminals.