Tips to Prevent Ag Crime

These photos represent an idea brought about by a member of the ag community in an attempt to deter future wire thefts. The lock can be purchased at Grainger. PVC conduit is replaced with steel conduit.

PREVENT CRIME ON YOUR PROPERTY

● Register with the Sheriff’s Office for your Owner-Applied Number (OAN). This number is engraved on your equipment in a hidden spot with metal punches or brands. The information is fed into a computer. When stolen equipment is recovered, if it has been numbered, the rightful owner can be notified.

● If possible, lock equipment inside a barn or shed each night, preferably near the house. Make sure doors and windows are secure.

● Never park machinery within easy access to the road where it is vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

● Keep small equipment locked in a barn or garage.

● Remove rotors, distributor caps or batteries from motorized equipment left outside for long periods of time.

● Do not leave tools or other equipment in the back of a pickup truck. Locked toolboxes are a deterrent to thieves.

● Keep storage areas neat and well-organized to keep track of equipment and discourage potential thieves.

● Lock up chemicals; if stolen, they can be resold.

● Notify your local law enforcement agency of your chemical delivery and storage sites.

● Install audible alarms on outbuildings to prevent illegal entry or theft.

● Make a note of any suspicious vehicle or person that you notice and send the information to the Sheriff’s Office.

● Avoid feeding livestock next to a county or public road. Livestock can be accustomed to this and may run up to any vehicle.

● Brand, mark, tattoo, or identify your stock in some manner.

● Secure gas pumps, gas tanks, storage bins and grain elevators with strong locks, sturdy padlocks with hardened steel hasps, or dead bolts with a one-inch throw.

PROTECTING YOUR CHEMICALS

● Lock up all chemicals, they are essentially like cash money for a thief.

● Request that chemicals be delivered on the days you need them and not before.

● Return excess chemicals to the chemical distributor. By not having a stockpile of chemicals in your shed you will decrease the opportunity for theft.

● Notify your local law enforcement agency of your chemical delivery and storage sheds.

● Install alarms on chemical shed doors or windows.

● When possible, mark your chemical containers with your Owner Applied Number.

PROTECTING YOUR TREES

● When planting new trees, take the time to place a painted color band on each tree. This will assist in locating stolen trees.

● When possible, do not leave trees-to-be-planted at the site overnight. This provides an excellent opportunity for theft.

WAYS YOU CAN ASSIST LAW ENFORCEMENT

● Preserve the crime scene by staying away from the area. This will avoid contamination of evidence.

● Keep cattle and other livestock out of the area of question.

● If it appears it might rain, prior to law enforcement officers arriving, place boxes, tarps or some form of protective cover over tire/shoe tracks an any evidence.

● Mark your livestock. The most foolproof means of doing this is probably by doing hot, chemical or freeze branding.

● Let thieves know your livestock is permanently marked by displaying signs on your fences, barns and gates. These signs can be purchased from the California Farm Bureau. Click here.

● Check your stock frequently by conducting daily counts if possible. Make arrangements to have your livestock checked when you are away.

● Make sure all fences and gates are in good condition and locked.