You wouldn't think a tractor, haybine, or skid steer loader would be easy pickings for any thief; getting it off the property unnoticed would seem to be a feat of giant proportions. Apparently that's not the case. The National Equipment Register reported an increase in ag equipment thefts in 2009. Authorities report the chances of thieves getting away with farm equipment theft is greater than in other crimes. Once they get away with it they become more brazen and daring; the rewards far outweighing the risks. When you consider that even the smallest piece of farm equipment can have a resale value of ten to fifteen thousand dollars I guess the incentive is blaringly obvious. So just how are farmers supposed to protect their investments? First off they should take extra care in securing their farm equipment, leaving that tractor beside a busy roadway may not be the deterrent you think it is, in fact it probably makes it just that much more tempting and easier to steal. Make sure all equipment and machinery is permanently marked with an identification number, and lock it up whenever possible. And most importantly, know your neighbors and keep your eyes open.
