NCJ Number
79721
Date Published
1980
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This checklist outlines ways that rural residents can help to prevent crime by removing the opportunity for crime, taking precautions with equipment and property, and being aware of farmstead design and building security.
Abstract
Crime prevention should be part of the total, systematic operation of the farm enterprise. When away from the farm, residents should always lock the shop and house doors and should always remove car or truck ignition keys when parking. All farm equipment should be identified with the owner's driver's license number. Effective tractor and equipment locks will deter potential criminals. Accurate, organized recordkeeping can help prevent and detect the theft of farm products. Ways to mark feed grain, livestock, and timber are noted. In addition, farm perimeters can be used to create both physical barriers (fences) and psychological barriers (clear expanses, 'No Trespassing' signs) to criminal activity. Roads can be used to control farm traffic and to steer traffic by an occupied building (a farm home) for observation. Other deterrents include outdoor lighting and secure door and window locks. Additional tips are included along with a suspicious activity report form which can provide police with needed information. Cooperating and helping the police are essential to any effective crime prevention strategy. No references are cited.