by Mark Bingaman
Photo credit: www.whitetailproperties.com
Rural property crime is an ever-increasing problem. That can be a depressing thought for people who have moved to the country, eager to avoid the problems of city life – including crime.
But regardless of whether you own a single-family home in the country, are searching for farms for sale in the United States, undeveloped land for sale, or any type of country property, landowners can be victimized by crimes ranging from burglaries to equipment theft to livestock theft to illegal dumping.
Here are a few security suggestions for rural property owners:
Report every crime to local law enforcement, no matter how petty. Don't think you're just “being a bother.” Those reports allow law enforcement to spot a developing crime trend and then appropriately plan to combat it, often “nipping the problem in the bud” before the crimes become even more bothersome and costly to your neighbors and you.
Security setups don't have to be costly or obvious. Solar-powered, motion sensor security lights can be purchased for as little as $20 and require no electricity usage or hookup, allowing them to be deployed anywhere. Most are extremely sturdy and last for years in all types of weather conditions.
Fuel Tank Security. Basic common sense is your best friend as fuel theft is one of the most frequent rural crimes. Remember that what is most convenient for you is also most convenient for criminals, so, if possible, place the fuel tank in an out-of-the-way spot, far from any roads. If you live on the property, place the tank in a place where you can see it from your home but it's not easily viewed from a roadway. And while a determined thief can cut through most any lock, purchase expensive padlocks for your tank and fences. Don't use a $2 padlock to protect $1,000 worth of fuel.
Contractor Diligence: Be careful of whom you hire to do
work on your property. We're not talking about paranoia here, but keep in mind that even if you have the utmost confidence in a particular company or contractor, you'll want to make sure that they are equally dedicated to employing only high-quality, reputable people themselves. This is especially true if you are budget-conscious and know that the contractor offers low wages to workers. Once you allow
access to your land, it's all too easy for people to survey what you have and how to get it.
Illegal dumping. The illegal dump site can be both dangerous and very expensive to clean up, and features old tires, household trash, medical waste, automobile and other vehicles, hazardous chemicals, and even the remains of clandestine drug laboratories. One of the best ways to combat this dilemma is to securely mark your property boundaries. Illegal dumpers are searching for a quick and convenient spot to dump their junk, hopefully with easy access from the road. Be sure to block access points and roads to your property that are no longer used and give the dumpers no spot where they can easily pull in and
offload their trash. Keep your fences and gates in good repair and locked, otherwise you could face a cleanup that's a huge hassle and a big expense.
As you search for
land to buy or farms for sale in the U.S. or any type of rural property to purchase, we know you can find the land of your dreams here on
LandHub.com. At that point, just a bit of work and a few dollars can help you keep it safe from those who'd like to rip off your stuff and poke a hole in your pleasant day in the country.
Additional Tips:
Rural Crime Prevention: Livestock Theft, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Ranch and Farm Theft on the Rise: Utah State University Extension