Magnum PI Tom Selleck Accused Of Water Theft

Actor Tom Selleck has been accused of stealing truckloads of water from a public hydrant to help keep his 60-acre California ranch and avocado farm looking lush amid record drought.

Private investigators tracked a tanker truck pilfering water from a hydrant and hauling it to the Magnum PI star's property in Westlake Village, according to a court complaint.

The alleged water thefts occurred more than a dozen times over the span of two years, Calleguas Municipal Water District claims in the filing.

Residents in drought-stricken Southern California have been ordered to cut water use by 25% amid a four-year dry spell.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department said it investigated the allegation, but was unable to establish any crime occurred.

Calleguas Municipal Water District refused to comment on the case, which it said remains the subject of legal action.

However, manager for resources Eric Bergh told Sky News the district would always act to protect its water supply.

He said: "We believe that the supplies that we have remaining should rightfully be used by those who have invested in the water system.

"And with everyone in cutback mode, tearing up their lawns, installing conservation methods, we believe our 630,000 customers would agree with that."

The complaint against Selleck makes the Blue Bloods actor the latest celebrity tied to the so-called "drought shaming" campaign.

Vigilantes have taken to filming outdoor water use around the homes of the rich and famous and posting videos online.

Aerials pictures of the homes of stars like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian and Barbra Streisand have attracted most interest.

Streisand has since highlighted her attempts to save water.

Malibu Mayor John Sibert told Sky News that the drought shaming was a necessary wake-up call for the wealthy .

"We have people who probably never see their water bills because they're quite wealthy and they have accountants who handle all of that," he said.

Other celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Cher and Kelly Osbourne, have taken to social media to highlight the need to conserve water.

Representatives for Selleck have not responded to a request for comment.