Farmers report spring surge in rural crime

A rising number of Ontario farmers have fallen victim to theft this season. Multiple incidents occurred across southern Ontario in May and June, many of which involved theft of high-value precision agriculture technology products.

Two John Deere dealers confirm that global positioning system (GPS) StarFire receivers and displays have been of significant interest. Depending on the type of activation associated with each unit, these products are worth $10,000 to $20,000 each.

Why it matters: Farm theft is a major inconvenience for farmers who need their equipment to run when the conditions are right.
Nine John Deere receivers and displays were taken from two neighbouring farms in Moorefield between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on May 3.

The owner of four units taken from a tractor and sprayer parked near the road believes they were a crime of opportunity. The neighbour, who had five units stolen from equipment parked behind the house and shop, was likely the intended target.

“It was very well planned,” said one of the farmers, who requested anonymity. “They knew what they needed, had the right tools and did a very tidy job of removing the hardware without cutting any wires.”

She said she hopes it serves as a reminder that rural theft can be sophisticated and bold and can occur at any time of day.

“Anybody who thinks that criminals only come in the middle of the night is wrong…that doesn’t happen anymore.”

The timing left both farmers scrambling to find replacement products so they could operate equipment during planting. They credit local farmers who loaned them extra receivers and displays.

“Theft has definitely been a big problem this year and the even bigger problem is the lack of supply of replacement units,” said Graham Burton, integrated solutions manager at Premier Equipment.

Dealerships would normally have ample supply on hand but the pandemic has caused product shortages and delays. Burton has reallocated some new product arrivals to farmers affected by theft but is waiting on many orders.

On June 2, Ken Schaus took to Twitter to share details about a receiver that was stolen from his 9420R while it was parked in Crawford. He offered a reward and his post was shared more than 100 times but he was unsuccessful in regaining the unit.

“Rural crime is getting worse,” Schaus tweeted. “John Deere should do the right thing and disable or locate them when connected to the new hardware.”

It’s a common inquiry, but Burton says it’s not possible to track the location of receivers and displays or to disable them.

“Since they receive a satellite signal but can’t send one out, once they’re gone, they’re gone,” the Moorefield farmer said.

Dealers can report the serial numbers of stolen products to John Deere and if a reported product is taken into any dealership worldwide, it will be flagged as stolen.

But the likelihood of locating products this way is low. Since they are fully functional when plugged into a tractor and the activations are permanent, Burton says the only time he would come across a stolen receiver is if the customer wanted to make a change, such as upgrading the activation.

GPS receiver and display theft is an international issue. Farm media in England and Ireland also reported increased theft in June.

Farmers and rural property owners in Ontario have noticed an uptick in vehicle and fuel theft, including multiple incidents where pick-up trucks have been stolen from farmyards and fields.

A bold theft occurred near Palmerston on May 12 when a truck with a fuel tank and skid of seed in the box was stolen from a field while two farmers were working there. Despite the farmers witnessing the incident and reporting other sightings, the truck was not found until it was involved in a collision the following week.

Derek Rogers, west region media relations coordinator for the OPP, said crimes are not categorized as urban or rural so he could not confirm any increase in farm theft. He urged anyone who is a victim of theft to call 1-888-310-1122 as soon as possible.