WELCOME FARM WATCH READERS!

Detective Ray Dominguez had the following to report for this edition:

"Farm Watch Readers, overall things have been relatively quiet. However, I have seen recent storage container burglaries reported throughout the county. I’ve seen reports coming in from Somis and the unincorporated areas surrounding Ventura and Santa Paula. Items being stolen include generators, chainsaws, fertilizer pumps, bags of fertilizer, and miscellaneous hand tools. At this time, it appears the burglaries are not related and were committed by different suspect(s).

In reviewing some of these reports and talking to victims, I’ve found that in many of these cases the storage containers in question have been attacked before. It cannot be emphasized enough; please check your storage facilities regularly to identify weak points that are susceptible to attack.

For example, one victim was using a storage container constructed primarily of steel, but had a portion made of plywood. The suspect(s) in this case forced entry by cutting through the wood portion of the container creating a hole in the side. The hole was large enough for them to easily remove property from the container and pass it through a chain-link fence they cut adjacent to the container, and into the back of a waiting vehicle. The reality here is that no matter how indestructible the lock is on the front of the storage container, if you have a weaker access point for crooks to use they will find it and exploit it. You need to start thinking like a crook when surveying your site for potential problem areas.

I also suggest you look at what it is you’re trying to store/protect. Please don’t use a $2 lock to protect a $10,000 load of fertilizer. It sounds silly, but I have seen it time and again. Remember when using chains and locks, “The bigger the better.” Use only high quality locks and heavy duty chain that is impervious to an attack with bolt cutters and other common cutting instruments.

When considering where you are going to store/protect property please ask yourself, “Am I storing the item in an area that is convenient, but also more susceptible to theft?” If so, you may want to consider moving the property to a less convenient, but more secure location for peace of mind.

Another thing to consider when selecting the location for a storage area is whether it’s close to a roadway which provides quick and easy access or tucked away on the property, out of sight and harder to get to? Does your facility have lighting and physical barriers such as fencing erected around the perimeter to limit accessibility? Have you considered using surveillance cameras and electronic alarm systems, or even hiring a private patrol company?

Here are some other general crime prevention tips for you to consider:

Perimeter:
-Maintain all fences and keep gates locked.

-Post “No Trespassing Signs” (3 per mile and at entrances to property).

-Make sure your address and Owner Applied Number sign are clearly visible.

-Build barriers using posts sunk in concrete to discourage vehicles from trespassing on roads or crossing property lines. Discourage 4x4 vehicles by digging a ditch or creating high dirt mounds where fences are not used to surround property.

Building Security:
-Secure and lock all windows and doors using hardened locks whenever possible.

-Install motion detector lights around buildings or in areas where there should be no traffic. Motion detectors can also turn on a bell, siren, alarm, pre-recorded messages and other security warning devices.

-Install security alarms.

Central Work Areas:
-Secure all equipment, including vehicles, and store in a visible, well lit area. If equipment will not be used for an extended period of time, bring it in and store it in a locked barn or shed. Install hidden “Kill switches” or render the vehicle inoperable by removing other electronic devices, i.e. distributor caps, batteries, etc. Use locking gas caps for ranch and business vehicles. This will help prevent sabotage. Never leave keys in your equipment.

-Fuel storage areas should have remote shut off switches for electrical power and locked electrical boxes. Lock fuel pumps and storage barrels. Portable fuel storage trailers or “Trap Wagons” should be brought in and securely stored overnight.

-Be aware of and report suspicious persons and vehicles to local Law Enforcement. Encourage employees to help spot strangers who don’t belong on the property and report it to their supervisors.

-Frequently patrol your property.

Employees and Neighbors:
-Know your employees, provide them with I.D. cards and educate them about crime prevention.

-Request prior work history and confirm their work experience.

-Limit employee access to buildings, equipment, chemicals and other valuables. If you have a large number of employees, a sign- in or log-in system may be necessary to limit access to certain areas of your business. Don’t hesitate to restrict areas you feel should be off limits.

-Know your neighbors and encourage them to report suspicious activities.

Mark all valuable property with your Owner Applied Number.
Report all crimes to local Law Enforcement.
Chances are you will reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of a theft or burglary if you employ some of these simple practices. Remember that criminals look for easy targets where the risk of detection is slight and the profits are high.

When you cause a criminal to take more time, make more noise, and be more visible as he acts, you may prevent completion of a crime and perhaps even discourage an attempt.

As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me directly at one of the numbers listed below or by email.

The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property:

Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.
Be a good witness
Note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.
If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.
Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.

If you are not sure of how to address the problem or would like additional crime prevention tips please contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation or Detective Ray Dominguez directly at (805) 384-4726 or by email at ray.dominguez@ventura.org.

Contacts:

Camarillo Detective Mark Corriea, mark.corriea@ventura.org

Fillmore Detective John Fox john.fox@ventura.org

Ventura Detective Christine Rettura Christine.rettura@ventura.org

Agricultural Crimes Detective, Ray Dominguez at Ray.Dominguez@ventura.org

As always, we would like to thank Sheriff’s Crime Analyst Karen Brown and Det. Ray Dominguez, for this issue’s great crime and alert update.

Be alert and always safe!

Monica (797-6338)

Geoff Dean - Sheriff

John Crombach and Gary Pentis - Assistant Sheriffs