As a farmer, you rely on a lot of machinery and equipment to get the job done. You take a lot of pride in your tools, too. Something that affects all farmers is the growing problem of tractor and farm equipment theft.
There are many steps you can take to protect your farm equipment and machinery. Make sure to follow the tips below if you want to keep opportunistic thieves off your property and protect your business.
No Trespassing Signs
No trespassing signs are an excellent deterrent for thieves. If someone sees your property as private and off-limits, they’re less likely to try and get in or attempt to steal something from you. Plus, if they do try to break in and steal something, they’ll be breaking the law.
Safes
Safes offer a secure way to keep your equipment from theft and fire damage. They are made from durable materials and have several locking mechanisms that make them difficult to breach. The size of the safe will determine how many items can be stored in it. Some safes come with combination locks, while others have digital keys that are activated by fingerprint scan.
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Liberty, Centurion CN24 Home & Gun Safe with E-Lock 30 Minute Fire Protection
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Liberty, Centurion CN24 Home & Gun Safe with E-Lock 30 Minute Fire Protection
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Truck Bed Toolbox
Truck bed toolboxes are an excellent way to keep your tools safe and secure. These boxes are specifically designed to fit into the back of a pickup truck, making it easier for you to transport your tools from one job site to another without having to worry about them being stolen from your vehicle.
Truck bed toolboxes should be made of heavy-duty steel or plastic to prevent thieves from breaking in. A sturdy lock should be able to keep your lid secure while providing you with easy access to your tools. Look for a toolbox that is compatible with your truck to avoid drilling holes.
Fences
Farm fences can help deter thieves from stealing equipment on your property. A fence around your property will not only keep out unwanted pests but also keep people and vehicles off your property. The type of fence you use will depend on where you live and the kind of weather conditions that exist there.
Chain link fencing can allow you to see trespassers from the outside. Fences should be at least eight feet high with barbed wire at the top for extra protection. Regularly inspect the fence and repair damage as soon as you see it. Electric fencing can also be used to protect livestock and expensive machinery.
If you live in an area that gets snow or rain often, then you may want to consider installing a chain-link fence around your property instead of wooden posts and rails because they are much sturdier than wooden materials and do not require maintenance as often as wooden ones do when exposed to rain or snow for long periods of time
Automatic Gate Openers
A gate opener is a device that automatically opens or closes your gates when they sense a vehicle approaching. They can be installed on any type of gate. Be sure to secure your network or get a gate opener with anti-hacking capabilities to prevent unauthorized users from gaining access.
Gate Locks
A good gate lock is easy to open when you need it but difficult for unauthorized persons to open without a key. A common option for locking gates is a padlock and chain combination. Padlocks come in many different sizes and styles. Locking fencing and gates is one of the easiest things you can do to not make you an easy target.
Deadbolt locks offer the ultimate protection for your shops, sheds, garages, and barns. They can handle a significant amount of force and are resistant to being “jimmied” open with a credit card or knife blade.
If you keep your trailer attached to your vehicle, hitch locks are an indispensable tool that requires a key to unlock, preventing thieves from taking off with your trailer. In addition, hitch locks provide a sturdier connection between your vehicle and trailer when you’re on the road.
Locking Mailboxes
Thieves are stealing checks from mailboxes and cashing them at banks or check-cashing businesses. To protect yourself, install a locking mailbox that allows you to receive mail but keeps thieves out. These mailboxes usually have a small slot for mail to go through. A key is used to open the locked portion. Locking mailboxes for larger packages are also available.
By installing a mailbox lock, you can reduce the chances of your mail being stolen. A mailbox with a lock also helps prevent identity theft because it prevents potential thieves from accessing personal information like credit card numbers and bank statements.
Oasis TriBolt Black Mailbox, 620020B-10
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Motion Lights
Install motion lights around your property and at your barn or building entrances. Motion lights will deter any would-be thief who does not want to be seen by anyone. They also alert you if someone is on your property at night and give you time to call law enforcement before anything happens. Motion lights are inexpensive and easy to install yourself or with help from our salespeople at Wilco Farm Stores.
Security Flood Light, Motion-Activated, Bronze
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GPS Tracking
There are several types of tracking devices available for agricultural vehicles, such as tractors and combines. GPS trackers allow you to track the location of your vehicle at any time using an app on your phone or computer. It also alerts you when your equipment has been stolen, so you can contact law enforcement immediately, even in the middle of the night.
Video Surveillance
Install video surveillance systems on your property. Video surveillance systems can be installed as a deterrent against thieves looking for an easy target, or if someone does try to break in, it can help identify them later. Some farmers also install cameras on their tractors, in barns, by animal holding pens, and in other vulnerable areas. Even fake security cameras can work.
Locking Fuel Cap
The locking fuel cap discourages thieves from siphoning gas from your tank. A locking cap can be installed on most farm tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles that use gasoline. If you have more than one vehicle, consider purchasing a locking cap for each one. Some caps are designed to work with specific types of equipment, so be sure to check the compatibility before purchasing one.
Engrave Equipment
Engraving identifying information on machinery and tools can help prevent theft by making them nearly impossible for crooks to sell stolen goods. Find a spot where it will be clearly visible and add personal information such as your company name. An engraving on your tools or equipment can lower their resale value and increase the chances of finding the thief.
Dremel Electric Engraver
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Farm Watch Group
If you’re worried about stolen equipment, consider joining a local farm watch program. These neighborhood watch programs work with police departments to patrol farms and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Write down the date, time, and descriptions of vehicles or strangers. Working together can significantly prevent farm equipment theft.
Keep Equipment Out of View
The best way for farmers to protect their property is to keep it out of sight. Thieves will be less likely to target your farm if they don’t know what you have or where it’s located. Take off the tires of equipment that isn’t used regularly to make it harder for criminals to take off with your heavy equipment.
Use security fences and gates to keep vehicles and equipment out of sight, and lock everything up after you’re done working each day. If possible, park vehicles behind buildings or in large storage sheds at night, so they aren’t visible from the road.
Keep Keys and Vehicles Separate
When you’re working with equipment, take the keys with you. If you leave them in the ignition, it’s an open invitation for thieves. If you have equipment stored in a locked shed or barn, keep the key separate from the vehicle. That way, if someone does break into your storage area, they won’t be able to drive away with all of your equipment.
In some cases, universal keys from the same equipment brand can be used to start your machinery. To prevent this, install secondary theft deterrents such as fuel-cut-off systems or one that prevents universal keys from starting your equipment.
Maintain Records
A simple way to protect against the stolen property from your farm is to maintain records of what you own, where it is, and when it was purchased. Good record-keeping will help you track down missing items if they’re stolen or can help you identify if someone is using your equipment without permission.
Keep a list of serial numbers, vehicle identification numbers (VINs), bills of sale, titles, and other identifiers or proofs of ownership for each piece of equipment on your farm. Other important information can be paint color modifications. If you need to file a claim, this can increase your chances of replacing or recovering your goods.
Alongside your records, keep photos of your valuables and property, ensuring you can clearly see any identifiable information or parts that prove it’s your property. Photos can be used to create flyers/bulletins for recovering your stolen property.
Let Wilco Farm Stores Protect Your Livelihood
Whether you’re a small- or large-scale farmer, protecting your equipment against theft can be difficult. However, with the right tools, you could help to deter potential thieves from taking your property. Shop for effective anti-theft tools at Wilco Farm Stores.
