Warning for all

[CobyRupert]

Sounds like an inside job.

Who knew equipment was in there?

Polaris was brand new. Ouch.
One of the worst things about theft, other that losing your property, is losing trust in people. The attitude and suspicion that comes with now viewing good people as being possible suspects.
That being said, I be curious as to who is friends with people at the Polaris dealer and if their other customers experienced thefts of their new rides.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I keep stuff in the building locked. It helps that we have 4 vehicles so that we always have a couple even when we are away. Got good neighbors also. Still had a compressor stolen from a druggie.

 

[EddieWalker]

With Google Earth being so simple to use, nothing is remote anymore.

From what I've been told, lawn mower and laborers are usually the ones who see what you have, and then they tell others what you have.

I have a neighbor that has been hit several times. He had a guy staying at his place to watch it while he was away, but they always knew when he wasn't there. Best guess is that it was somebody that knew him and his schedule. His stuff wasn't touched, just the land owners things. But if you don't catch them in the act, nothing ever happens.

Sorry to hear about your neighbor. Game cameras are horrible at identifying people. You might get lucky, but that seems rare. Quality cameras cost money, but seem worth the expense. Gates usually work, and it's interesting that you decided "not" to share with us how that was bypassed. Lights also help, along with a loud siren. I'm currently using a combination of all of the above with a goal of improving the quality of my cameras and recording system. I also have four dogs that love to go crazy when anybody comes down the driveway, and that alone is probably the best deterrent that I currently have working for me.

 

[Fuddy1952]

I retired 4 years ago, electronic technician, in early 70s I installed alarm systems. My humble opinion is while you can get as sophisticated as you want, for maybe $300-$400 doing your own installation using motion detectors, door/window magnetic switches and siren works well.
It takes time to steal and an alarm going off works.
I like what oosik says, it's sad but true. I've been a victim, friends also, and same experience where even when thief is caught the judge slaps their wrist.

 

[jmc]

They also told us they busted a gang of illegals from Guatemala some months back that were from Bakersfield, and operating in our county (very rural and farm/ranch oriented) but were caught in LA. These guys were pure pro's at what they did. Now there is a new gang operating out of LA. I won't get political, but I hope a certain southern building project gets done REAL soon.

Just a mechanical observation here: When the 'pure pro's encounter that southern obstacle, do they turn around and go home?

 

[JazzDad]

Recently, in my area, a couple of people stole a truck. They drove it 10 miles to my area, parked it and walked a pole line to a neighbor's property. The took my neighbor's truck, drove it down to the locked gate where the proximity switch opened the gate, and they were gone. The thieves were caught on game cameras with bandanas tied over their faces. Truck was unlocked, had the keys left in it, along with a hand gun.

Some weeks later, a rancher in S. Texas saw headlights on an old trail on his property. He calls the law and a chase began. The truck being pursued left the trail to cross a pond that was dry, however, it had rained in the area recently. The truck died in the water and the baddies ran off. Truck was discovered to be that of my neighbor. All the seats but the driver's had been removed to make room for the transportation of illegals. Needless to say, the truck was a write-off.

Sometimes things can be prevented with common sense. Just because you live in the boonies, don't leave the keys in your vehicle (car, tractor, OHV), lock your doors (house, barn, shed), and watch for suspicious people possibly casing your neighbors.

 

[HEC]

Thanks for your post as it just makes us all revaluate our own circumstances . We say don't be political but someone needs to do something . This is a tractor forum so I won't say no more .

 

[jaxs]

I've been a victim, friends also, and same experience where even when thief is caught the judge slaps their wrist.

Prisons are crowded already and now they want to send prisoner's family with them. Judges are just trying to manage the budget.

 

[Thomas]

Maybe little old fashion justice when there caught to be made example.

 

[oosik]

As much as I'd like "real old fashion justice" - I don't think that would play too well. Probably wouldn't be around long enough to enjoy the results.

Twenty years ago two guys came into the property. I did not recognize them or their vehicle. I met them in my yard and they did not have a good reason for being there. I held them - the County Sheriff came and got them - they were prosecuted for trespass.

Word spread far and wide - I have not had a single person come into my yard in twenty years that I did not know or invite. Once was sufficient.