Protecting Your Property

“Times have been tough enough for the man on the land in recent years. With so much to cope with, it is easy to forget something minor like locking your shed. That’s what happened to me, and it cost me thousands of dollars worth of equipment. I’ve learned my lesson. It is pretty hard to stop determined thieves but your chances are a lot better if you make life as difficult as possible for them.” Farmer, Western District 

Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are concerned about the volume of equipment, from sophisticated tractors to rolls of fencing wire, being stolen from farms. Farms are often relatively easy targets for thieves. The end result is increased insurance, security and law enforcement costs which we all have to bear.

There is plenty people living on isolated properties can do to protect themselves from thieves:

• Be alert and secure your property
• Remove keys from machinery
• Lock doors of machinery cabs
• Use lockable fuel caps
• Store large farm equipment in secure sheds or highly visible areas
• Store valuable equipment in a secure building out of sight, behind a locked door
• Return broken down machinery to the shed
• Use high security padlocks and lock outbuildings when you are not using them
• Consider building a lockable metal cage inside a building for tool storage
• Install outdoor security lights where you have valuable equipment

If you become aware of any information about individuals who have engaged in theft from farms and other country properties, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers. The smallest piece of information could lead to a criminal charge and a safer environment for you and your family.

Crime Stoppers. If you've seen something, say something.