How to reduce the risk of farm theft

Farmers reported an increase in theft across rural Ontario this spring. Now, many are keeping a closer eye on their property and are looking for new ways to keep their assets secure.

Although more thefts seem to be occurring during the day and while people are on site, Scott Smith, a registered insurance broker and partner at Zehr Insurance and cash crop farmer, says there are some things farmers can do to protect themselves. 

Why it matters: Farmers are experiencing an increase in theft, often involving vehicles, GPS receivers and fuel. Implementing security measures can reduce the risk of assets being stolen.

Property

Since many thefts are crimes of opportunity, locks, gates, fences and other security measures that make it harder for thieves to access property are good methods of protection.

Investing in good quality locks with keys and ensuring they are installed on buildings and barns is important, according to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s on-farm security manual. The guide also suggests investing in security lighting at key areas of farm property.

Smith adds that a practice as simple as closing doors when sheds are not in use can reduce the visibility of contents to someone driving by.

“A lot of people are leaning towards using cameras for extra peace of mind,” he says. “They’re handy, easily available and can help identify unknown vehicles or individuals.”

Insurance companies offer discounts for monitored alarms and security systems.

Vehicles

Derek Rogers, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) west region media relations co-ordinator, says people in rural areas tend to leave keys in their vehicles for the sake of convenience.

“Thieves know this and are taking advantage of hard-working people by stealing their vehicles, which are frequently used in the commission of other criminal acts such as property theft,” he says.

The OPP runs “lock it or lose it” and “pocket your keys” campaigns specific to the rural community to remind people to lock vehicles and keep keys with them. The same message can be extended for tractors and other equipment, especially when parked outdoors.

Smith knows many farmers keep tractor keys in the cab but he makes it a priority to lock equipment and take the keys with him.

“I do a circle check at the end of the day so I can go home feeling confident that I did my best to make theft as difficult as possible,” he says, noting the importance of double-checking locks, doors, windows and keys.

Technology

The international issue of global positioning system (GPS) receiver and display theft is made worse by the fact that most units cannot be disabled or tracked by location.

In the case of John Deere products, precision agriculture experts across Ontario say more customers are now buying receiver locking brackets. They also recommend unplugging receivers and locking them in the cab or another safe location when not in use.

John Deere is responding to the demand for better security features. The StarFire 6000 receiver and 4640 universal display will now have a security PIN code option, similar to a cell phone.

While this does not necessarily prevent theft, enabling the code feature will allow only users who enter the PIN to access the device when it powers on.

Fuel

To reduce the risk of fuel theft, Smith recommends using multiple locks on storage tanks and making sure pumps are tightly installed so they can’t easily be removed.

Hiding the control switch for electric pumps in a building and disconnecting power when not in use is also important.

Farm Mutual Re published a document in June that advises farmers to install tanks away from the road and visible from a house or office. Fencing the area with lockable gates and adding security cameras and lighting are recommended.

On large or remote properties, tanks should be kept locked and out of sight from the road and only filled in the season they are needed.

In terms of insurance, Smith recommends farmers keep in regular contact with their brokers and be diligent about inventory lists and value updates.

Rogers encourages victims of theft to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 as soon as possible.

“Policing is an intelligence-driven business,” he says. “It’s important that police know of these incidents, as it heightens investigators’ awareness of a potential theft problem in a specific location. The more information our officers have, the better the chances of apprehending those responsible.”