The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols in our rural communities to continue to combat property crimes.
Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones today reports the rural areas of Grant County have experienced several property crimes, specifically thefts of metal, wire, batteries and - most recently - livestock panels. The most recent thefts have occurred in Mae Valley and the area to the northeast of Moses Lake.
With autumn approaching and the farming season coming to an end, Sheriff Jones is offering several reminders to assist farmers and ranchers in protecting themselves and their property from being a victim.
1. When securing farming equipment (tractors, etc.) for the season, remove the keys so that the equipment cannot be driven.
2. If tractors and equipment are sitting unattended for the winter, remove the batteries and store them. This will prevent would-be thieves from taking them and selling them to scrap yards.
3. Other equipment such as hand tools, generators, and trailers to haul equipment should be stored in either a secure storage or on the property close to the residence. When these items are stored out by themselves, it’s easy for persons to remove them without being seen. If these items are stored on properties where people live and the area is lit, thieves are less likely to approach the locations.
4. Along with secured storage, we strongly recommended farmers mark or identify their property in a way which helps deputies recognize the property if they are recovered (i.e. spray paint the item, engrave item, or record serial numbers and have them available)
5. Irrigation towers and wire spans are a target for thieves. When the irrigation towers are broken down and stored for the winter, we strongly recommended the span wire be removed and stored. If the towers are not broken down and remain in place, maintaining an alarm on them for interruption of power is recommended.
Sheriff Jones advocates for and asks the public for help preventing and solving crimes. We need the eyes and ears of the rural communities to be vigilant and call 9-1-1 when they see something suspicious.
People with information to share about thieves and the whereabouts of stolen property can also send their information to [email protected]. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
