Saskatchewan RCMP are warning farmers to be aware of the risks of theft, adding that crime rates are often higher following seeding and harvest.
“What happens is historically at this time of year, we get a spike in thefts from farm equipment that’s directly related to the activity of farm equipment,” said staff sergeant Devin Pugh. “Obviously, there’s been occasions where equipment is left overnight in the field.”
The RCMP recommend producers follow six precautions:
- Move equipment out of fields, and park it indoors or in a well-lit area visible from the house, where it is not visible from roads.
- Remove items from large equipment like tools and GPS systems, or record their serial numbers if you can’t take them out.
- Install motion sensor or timer lights that turn on at sundown.
- Keep an inventory of equipment.
- Check equipment regularly.
- Report thefts to the police.
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“Usually, it is a crime of opportunity,” Pugh said. “So if there’s an opportunity for a thief to take something and be undetected, sometimes that occurs. So when you have equipment or attractive items that are refurbished tools, or electronics, that are left out, that are unlocked in an area where somebody can take it and not be detected, that will be your most high risk area.”
Pugh said even farmers who aren’t next to main highways should take precautions.
“Number one is definitely locking the equipment doors,” he said. “I totally understand it’s one of those things that’s busy at harvest and seeding, and it’s just not convenient, especially if you have multiple operators. But if at all possible, that’s what we recommend.”
Theft reports can be made on the Saskatchewan RCMP’s website.
