Full Notification

GRANT COUNTY, Wash. (09JULY2014) – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to area farmers in light of five recent thefts of steel and aluminum livestock corral panels from Moses Lake area farms and ranches. These thefts have resulting in losses totaling thousands of dollars.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is investigating these thefts, and reminds farmers and cattlemen there are some things they can do to reduce the opportunity for theft. Although several of the suggestions seem pretty drastic and time consuming, they are worthwhile if a theft is prevented.

“I know farmers and cattlemen are frustrated by these thefts, and I am, too,” said Sheriff Tom Jones. “Right now there isn’t any pattern to the thefts, but we know somebody out there has information on who is stealing the metal and equipment. Anybody with information can call us at 509-762-1160, or send an email to [email protected]. Either way, the caller can choose to be anonymous.”

Sheriff Jones suggests forming a Neighborhood Watch in rural areas. Neighbors helping neighbors, if the thieves find they are being watched or have a good chance of getting caught, they will go find an easier place in another area to steal metal items.

Sheriff Jones also suggests:

• If machinery needs to be left in a field overnight, try and park it out of sight of roadways.

• Never leave the keys in the machinery.

• Mark your property with paint color, or combination of colors, to help investigators identify your property once it is recovered.

• The doors of the machinery should be locked if possible.

• If equipment and irrigation components are not going to be used in the next day or so, return it to a location where you can observe it.

• If your irrigation equipment is in operation, check on it frequently and at random times to ensure it still where you put it in operation.

• Use a random schedule to check your equipment, thieves will watch your operations to determine a pattern of your farm operations. On security checks – be as unpredictable as you can!

• When there is a breakdown, if possible return the equipment to your main farm yard area. Too often farmers attempt to repair the machinery in the field and leave it unattended while obtaining replacement parts, only to return and find other components missing.

• Always know where your equipment is located on the farm.

• You can chain equipment together or to a tree or other strongly anchored object. Vehicle and equipment steering wheels can be chained so that the vehicle cannot be turned in any direction.

• Where possible, large farm machinery not in use should be stored in a secured shed, preferably in sight of the farm house, or parked together in a highly visible area.

• Build a fenced enclosure that you can padlock shut for stationary equipment that cannot be secured sheds. A fenced staging area for irrigation pipes and equipment is a good idea too.

• Building secure structures to protect key farm stationary equipment, such as irrigation pumps and then checking them frequently is a great idea.

• Ensure all pieces of equipment are marked with an identification mark.

• Maintain an inventory with the description, serial number, chassis number, and model numbers of your equipment.

• Photograph and video tape machinery and valuable items of equipment – store them in a safe place with the inventory.

• Secure tools and tool boxes.

• Stolen metals have a ready market. Report all suspicious activity to the police immediately.

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CR#14GS06558, 14GS06692, 14GS07350, 14GS07358, 14GS08002
PR75/AGT2