Rural Crime Prevention

Crime is not limited to urban areas. Rural properties including farms, ranches, and agricultural businesses are frequent targets for theft, vandalism, trespassing, and burglary.

Common targets include:

• Heavy equipment and implements

• Irrigation pipe and metal materials

• Livestock

• Agricultural chemicals and fertilizers

• Fuel tanks and pumps

• Harvested commodities

Fresno County’s rural landscape presents unique challenges for law enforcement response. Property owners play a critical role in preventing crime. The following measures can significantly reduce your risk:

Address Visibility (where applicable)

Clearly marked addresses save valuable time during emergencies.

• Post large, reflective address numbers on the roadway.

• Ensure numbers are clearly visible from both directions of travel.

• If multiple addresses share a private road, post each address at the entrance and again at the residence or business.

• Trim vegetation that may obscure address signage.

Perimeter Security

Strong perimeter control is one of the most effective deterrents to rural crime.

• Regularly inspect fences, gates, and locking hardware.

• Use hardened steel locks and heavy-duty chains and hasps.

• Never leave gates open with locks hanging unsecure.

• Consider high-security or shrouded locks to prevent bolt cutter access.

• Install reinforced gate hinges and tamper-resistant hardware.

No Trespassing Signs

Posting your property helps establish legal enforcement authority.

• Signs should be clearly visible at property entrances and along boundaries.

• Maintain signs in good condition and replace faded or damaged signs.

• Unfenced properties should be posted with three signs per mile.

• Fenced properties should be posted at all vehicle and pedestrian entrances.

Lighting and Visibility

Proper lighting is a strong deterrent.

• Install motion-activated lighting at gates, fuel tanks, barns, equipment yards, and storage areas.

• Use smart devices for automated interior lighting when you’re away.

• Illuminate loading docks, chemical storage, and machinery areas.

• Position lighting to avoid blinding nearby road traffic.

Surveillance and Technology

Modern technology adds another layer of protection.

• Install high-resolution security cameras with text-alert features at entry points and high-value storage areas.

• Use cameras with license plate capture capability where feasible.

• Consider cellular trail cameras for remote locations without Wi-Fi.

• Post signs indicating video surveillance devices are in use.

• Use GPS tracking devices on tractors, UTVs, and high-value equipment.

• Create geofence alerts for equipment moved outside designated areas.

Livestock Protection

Livestock theft continues to be a concern in rural areas.

• Brand or otherwise permanently mark animals for positive identification.

• Maintain updated herd records and photographs.

• Conduct regular head counts.

• Lock gates and secure livestock loading areas.

• Report stray or suspicious livestock transport activity immediately.

• Consult a local Brand Inspector for proper marking methods.

Owner Applied Number Program (OAN)

Owner Applied Numbers assist law enforcement in recovering your stolen property.

An OAN is a unique identifying number assigned to you or your business. Property marked with your OAN can be traced by law enforcement nationwide.

Mark:

• Tractors and implements

• Pumps and motors

• Tools and machinery

• Chemical storage containers

• Utility trailers and equipment

Uniform marking greatly increases recovery rates and discourages resale.

Chemical Security

Agricultural chemicals are high-value theft targets, especially within 24 hours of delivery.

• Secure chemicals in locked, reinforced storage areas.

• Mark containers immediately upon receipt.

• Maintain inventory logs and conduct regular audits.

• Limit access to authorized personnel only.

• Install text-alert video surveillance in storage areas.

Metal Theft Prevention

Copper materials are frequently stolen and recycled.

• Consider installing aluminum wire where appropriate.

• Take part in the Sheriff’s Sticker Program which clearly indicates aluminum wire installations to would-be thieves.

• Store pipe and wire in secured areas when not in use.

• Install motion lighting and text-alert video surveillance near storage yards and agricultural wells.

Equipment Security

Heavy equipment theft is costly and disruptive.

• Remove keys when not in use.

• Install ignition locks or fuel shut-off devices.

• Use wheel locks or immobilization devices.

• Park equipment in well-lit, visible areas.

• Store smaller implements inside secured structures.

• Record VINs, serial numbers, and distinguishing marks.

• Make equipment photos part of your inventory process.

• Install GPS tracking devices and check equipment locations regularly to ensure your devices are reporting properly.

Fuel Theft

• Lock fuel tanks and pumps.

• Install anti-siphon devices.

• Monitor fuel levels and usage patterns.

Farm Products and Containers

Mark produce bins and containers clearly with your identification information.

• Maintain documentation for transported commodities.

• Verify transport credentials when contracting haulers.

• Secure loading areas when not in use.

Community Awareness

Rural crime prevention is most effective when neighbors communicate.

• Report suspicious vehicles and activity immediately.

• Share information with neighboring property owners.

• Participate in agricultural meetings and local crime prevention programs.

• Invite the Agricultural Crime Task Force to conduct a site assessment and provide tailored security recommendations.

If you see suspicious activity, contact the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office immediately. If you are a recent victim of agricultural crime, please report it. Our investigators use reported crime incidents to identify crime patterns and areas in need of targeted suppression.