Eight Ways to Improve Farm Security

OMAHA (DTN) -- Within the last couple of weeks, two sheriff departments in rural areas of Nebraska have issued alerts to agricultural producers warning them of rural crime, specifically theft.

On Jan. 28, the Madison County Sheriff's Office issued a press release advising farmers and landowners of theft reports of copper wires from central pivot irrigation systems. The northeast Nebraska law enforcement agency advised all owners to check their systems and report any theft/damage that might have occurred.

"We are also advising all to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and if found to call the sheriff's office," Madison County Sheriff Todd Volk said in the release.

In southeastern Nebraska, the Gage County Sheriff's Office issued a public alert on Feb. 5, about the recent theft of copper wire from a rural area. Approximately 1,275 feet of wire was stolen from a center pivot irrigation system. The estimated value of loss and damages exceeds $30,000.

The Gage County Sheriff's Office encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity in or around the area.

"Property owners are advised to review their security measures to prevent potential thefts, and farmers should check their pivots for loss or damage," Gage County Sheriff Millard Gustafson said in the alert.

Farm Bureau Financial Services suggests eight ways to improve farm security. While insurance policies are the first step to protecting farmers' assets, extra security precautions can help prevent farm theft from happening in the first place.

Here is the list.

1 -- Watch From Afar

Video surveillance is one of the best ways farmers can protect their property from theft. Well-placed cameras can help producers watch vulnerable areas and home security apps enable you to view your property remotely.

For a cheaper option, consider dummy cameras. Often, the appearance of cameras is enough to deter thieves.

2 -- Keeping it out of Sight

Keeping your farm equipment out of plain sight, so that it's not easily visible and accessible from the road is a simple way to avoid potential theft. Also, don't forget to keep outbuildings, yards and houses well lit. Whether you leave lights on or have them motion-activated, it will discourage criminals who don't want to be seen.

3 -- Putting Fido to Work

Use animals as deterrents. A good watch dog around the property with proper signage such as "Beware of Dog" is effective. Geese are also good noise makers when strangers come.

4 -- Locking it All Up

Store what you can inside outbuildings that can be locked up tight with locking bars or high-security padlocks. Fuel tanks, large equipment and tools should be locked up inside. Store power tools in lockable containers that are also attached to the ground or wall.

Keep a record of serial numbers or log all pieces of equipment, so you can keep track of equipment in the event of farm theft.

5 -- Taking Away the Keys

Store all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or utility-terrain vehicles (UTV) inside outbuildings and remove the keys when they're not in use. Keep these in the house with you or in a different location.

You can also use wheel clamps or locking posts to keep them secure. Consider parking larger vehicles in front of doors to complicate access.

6 -- Leaving a Mark

Leave a security mark on equipment and register them when you can. Put your zip code on the top of your trailers, so they can be easily seen from the sky.

You can paint your equipment in bright colors or put a warning decal on that will help them be spotted if they are taken. For your livestock, mark them using a recommended method and/or look into microchipping.

7 -- Using Layers of Security

The more security precautions you take, the less likely it is that you will have to deal with stolen farm machinery. Adding immobilizers or chip keys, or removing batteries and wheels, helps to keep your peace of mind.

8 -- Working Together

Form a rural watch group with nearby neighbors and friends to look after each other's properties. Jot down descriptions of strangers and vehicles including license number, location, date and time. This can be helpful to police if crimes occur in the area.

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

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