Agricultural Theft Resources

Contents:
Potential Ideas for Deterring Agricultural Theft

Law enforcement officials note that a fundamental element of rural crime is opportunity. Criminals are seeking opportunities to steal without being seen, without taking much time, and without making much noise. Farms are ideal targets for theft, due to the relative isolation of each operation. Careful farmers and ranchers should consider steps that make theft more trouble than it’s worth. Potential thieves will likely look elsewhere for an easier target if they consider the theft to be too risky. The primary responsibility for crime prevention rests with property owners since they know their operations and can look around for ways to improve safety. Consider these ideas to help avoid the loss and inconvenience associated with crime on farms and ranches.  However, these ideas do not guarantee that agricultural theft will not occur on your farm or property, so stay vigilant.
  • Prominently display and install "Private property" and/or "No trespassing" and/or substantially similar message signs throughout the property and at the point of entry of the premises and where crop is visible.  The sign or signs should contain letters no less than two inches in height.
  • Take picked fruit, nuts, and other agricultural commodities to the packing or processing area or to the processor as soon as possible. Avoid leaving them in the field for thieves to take off with.
  • Go around the property and look at it through the eyes of a thief. Be seen around the property often, and vary routines so people can’t easily anticipate when someone will be home/present.
  • Construct sturdy, secure sheds with high-quality locks. Tools, equipment, chemicals and other valuables should be stored inside. Use strong chains and locks on all gates, access routes and loading ramps. Mark or stamp tools and equipment with a permanent identification number but do not use numbers or codes that are used for locks and other entry points (phones, doors, etc.)
  • Form a “watch group” to look after each other’s farms and to observe and record suspicious behavior. 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. Neighbors working together, being each other’s eyes and ears, can significantly reduce crime.
  • Install motion-sensored security lighting or at least ample lighting around sheds, storage facilities, and equipment with lights operating on time switches or sensors. Remove unnecessary, large structures or objects in the field and around sheds, storage units, and equipment that could be used to reduce visibility or as a hiding spot.
  • Lock fuel storage tanks and make sure they can easily be seen from the house or office. Have lockable fuel caps on all tractors and vehicles. Park machinery close to home or the office if possible. If necessary, park it where it can be seen from a neighbor’s house or completely out of sight behind a hill or a tree line. Remove keys and lock the cab on machinery when not in use. Consider disabling machinery by removing the distributor cap, rotor, or battery. Don’t leave keys in the equipment or valuable tools in vehicle trays.
  • 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.
  • Install motion-sensored cameras and keep photographs or video records of property or stock in case of theft. Install cameras or video cameras that upload immediately to the cloud or consider installing a second camera to record the  the thief stealing the more accessible camera.
  • Inventory livestock on a daily basis, but avoid making checks at a regular time. Ensure that all animals are marked for identification and maintain complete livestock records with identification numbers. Photograph valuable animals.
  • Keep a record of past employees, especially if there has been a dispute or a firing. Also, regard people who offer deals too good to refuse with suspicion. Either reject the offer or tentatively accept it, but contact the police immediately. Always notify the police of crime. No theft is too small to report.
  • Call 911 if a theft is in progress or call the police non-emergency line (below) if a theft has occurred:
    • Big Island - (808) 935-3311
    • Maui County - (808) 244-6400
    • Oahu - (808) 529-3111
    • Kauai - (808) 241-1711
  • Assist law enforcement with the following, if applicable:
    • Report any/all suspicious activity to the Police Department;
    • Document the date, time, and location along with descriptions of the suspect(s) or vehicle(s) and direction of travel;
    • Provide photographs and/or video;
    • Request that the officer contacts you. Avoid remaining anonymous if you are willing to;
    • Provide the name of the vendor or business attempting to buy or sell suspected stolen goods
Some information adapted from USU and the Hawaii Police Department. Other information included from a past ag theft investigator.
Oct. 27, 2017 Ag Theft Community Meeting - West Hawaii Today Article
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