With the farming season upon us again, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is reminding rural citizens that crime is not confined to the cities – it’s a growing problem in rural areas also.
Every year, farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses are the victims of thefts of heavy equipment and fuel, tools, metal pipe and sprinkler heads, and expensive farm chemicals, and they are also targets for vandalism and burglary. Many areas of Umatilla County are rural in nature and provide unique challenges when is comes to crime prevention. But, there are many ways that agribusinesses and citizens in rural areas can actively participate in crime prevention and safety activities, such as:
Increase Your Visibility
It is vital for homes and businesses in rural areas to have your addresses clearly marked. If your address is not clearly visible from the roadway, emergency vehicles such as law enforcement, fire, and medical help may waste precious minutes looking for the correct location. Large, easy to read reflective numbers on a post at the roadway helps direct responding agencies. If there is a group of addresses off the roadway, each address should be posted.
Lighting, Video, and Alarms
Proper lighting, motion-sensors, video cameras, and alarms are valuable security tools if properly used and installed. Good lighting on the inside and outside act as deterrents by making your homes, barns, and outbuildings look occupied and less vulnerable, and makes spotting intruders easier for passers-by and police. Timers can be used when you are away to make the lights operate as they normally would when you are at home. Take care when positioning the lighting so that you avoid blinding traffic on nearby roadways.
Video surveillance cameras such as “trail cams”, and alarm systems can also be a deterrent to crime. They are becoming less expensive and easier to operate all the time. They can also be connected wirelessly to a computer or smart phone making them easier for you to control and monitor.
Perimeters
Check your fences, gates, and locks frequently to make sure they are in good repair. Broken fences, gates or locks make it too easy for thefts of property or livestock. Use locks of hardened steel and keep in mind that a lock is only as good as the chain or hasp it’s connected to. Never open a gate for the day and leave the lock hanging open. Thieves have been known to replace your lock with a similar one of their own, then come back later and take what they want.
Post your property with “No Trespassing” signs. The signs should be very noticeable in size and color, and posted with spacing at least three to a mile and at vehicle driveways. The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) has a Trespass Enforcement Agreement Program that allows business owners to partner with us and empower UCSO personnel to act on your behalf, as your “person in charge” for incidents involving criminal trespass at your property, especially after business hours. Whenever a deputy sees someone on your property after hours, your authorization will enable them to investigate and make arrests on your behalf to help ensure that your property is safe and secure.
Also, the “NO TRESPASSING” placards that you post on the property will serve as a visible deterrent to persons who might be inclined to trespass on your property. This program is designed to reduce rural vandalism, trespassing, burglary and thefts. Contact us for more information on this program.
Livestock
Mark or brand each animal for positive identification. Local Brand Inspectors can be contacted for information on the proper method to use to mark different types of animals. Remember, positive identification is needed and any brands, ear notches, tattoos, paint or dye can be positive identification.
Chemicals
Chemicals can be marked in their plastic containers by using a rubber stamp and ink. Containers of herbicides and ammonia can be particularly targeted by thieves. They should be marked upon receipt and kept in well-secured locations.
Irrigation Pipe and Metals
Thieves target metals, including aluminium and copper that can be taken to metal yards and sold. Irrigation pipe, sprinkler heads, and wiring are also favorite targets for thieves. Irrigation pipe can be marked by using special paint and stencils. Electronic etchers or engravers can also be used to mark smaller pieces of metal. Another idea to consider is to replace the metal pipes, and sprinkler heads with plastic items on your irrigation systems. The plastic items may or may not work as well as metal ones, but plastic won’t attract metal thieves, either.
Owner Applied Numbers
Owner Applied Numbers (OAN) have proven to be invaluable in recovering stolen equipment, chemicals, machinery, household items and other property.
An OAN can be a set of numbers or letters that are unique to the property owner, and can be traced by law enforcement anywhere in the United States. For example, your driver’s license number may be applied or engraved on the property in the following format: OR1234567DL. Using this format indicates to law enforcement personnel that it is an Oregon driver’s license number and a quick database inquiry connects the item to you. Also, writing OR at the start and DL at the end reduces the possibility of someone changing the number.
Take a Picture or Video of Your Property
A simple and easy way to make an inventory of your property and equipment is by using pictures or video. Today, virtually everyone carries a cell phone or smart phone with this capability. It only takes a few minutes to take a quick picture or video of that new tool or piece of equipment, so it can be identified later if it comes up missing. It’s also VERY IMPORTANT to include the serial number or anything else that is unique to your item in your picture because there may be other items like yours out there.
Contact the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office with any questions or comments about these crime prevention and safety tips. As always, if you see suspicious activity in your area, please call the sheriff’s office at 541-966-3601.
