Acreage Security

The same reasons you enjoy living in the country, remote location and few neighbors, also make your acreage or farm attractive to criminals and vandals.  When you're planning on taking a trip, there are simple and effective steps you can take to safeguard your property in your absence. 

Arrange with a neighbor to drive by your place twice each day, once in the daylight hours and once after dark.  Ask them to pull into the driveway or drive up the lane at least once each day.  Leave your contact information, cell phone numbers and itinerary with them.  Make sure they know who to contact in the event of an emergency on your property.

1. Contact the sheriff or local law enforcement agency about your plans and give them the same contact information that you're leaving with your neighbor.  Ask them to include your property on their routine patrols.  Keep in mind that they need to be able to see your property from the road.  Trim back any bushes or plantings that have become overgrown, especially around your windows.  They'll also need to know which of your neighbors will be looking in on your property.
2. Put a stop on your mail and newspapers if you're going to be gone more than a couple of days.  And, if you're expecting packages, try to reschedule the deliveries or ask if you can redirect the packages to a friend or neighbor.
3. It's a good idea to invest in a simple timer to control the lights in your home.  You can purchase one at your local hardware store or over the internet.  These handy devices can be set to turn on and off lights, even giving you the option to vary the lights and times.
4. Take the time to secure all personal information in your home.  Personal identity theft can take you years to overcome and your credit and bank accounts can be compromised if a thief possesses your personal information.  Invest in a fireproof, personal safe that can be bolted to the floor.  You can store documents, blank checks, bank information, unused credit cards, spare keys, vehicle and property titles, jewelry and heirloom items in it.  Most household safes let you program the combination with numbers you'll easily remember.  And if there are keys, don't store them near the safe.
5. Check your window and door locks to be sure they are in working order.  Make any repairs before you leave on your trip.  According to to Universal Crime Reports (UCR), most burglars don't use forcible entry, but instead gain access through unlocked doors and windows.
6. Yard lights that operate on timers or sensors can be significant deterrents.  Make sure that yours are working properly before you go.
7. Secure all loose keys in a locked key chest or a safe.  Remove the keys from machinery and vehicles.  Lock the cabs and doors.  If you normally park an expensive piece of machinery in a remote field, move it closer to your home or barn.  You may want to go the extra steps to remove the distributor cap, rotor, or battery to prevent theft.
8. Mark equipment, vehicles and machinery in at least two places with an identification number or other mark.  Make lists and take photographs of valuables, tools, equipment and machinery.  Record VIN numbers and license plate numbers.  Store this information in your fireproof safe or offsite in a secure location such as a bank safe deposit box.
9. Limit access to your property to just one point of entry by securing all gates with hardened padlocks.  Make sure that gates cannot be opened by simply lifting off the panel at the hinges.  It also makes sense to invest in gates that can't be disassembled easily.
10. If you have someone coming onto your property to take care of your animals, make sure they know how to contact your veterinarian in the event of an emergency.  Call your vet and let them know who is going to be responsible for your animals in your absence.
11. Make arrangements to have your grass mowed or your lane plowed while you're gone.  An intruder watching your property for signs that no one is at home will be deterred if simple, everyday maintenance is being performed in your absence.
12. Security experts say that it's smart to limit the number of people who know your travel plans.  Try to keep the specifics of your trip on a "need to know" basis.  Just being a little vague about the dates you'll be gone is probably a good idea.

Unfortunately, theft and vandalism are not just "city" problems anymore.  Rural property owners need to take steps to protect their homes, especially when they are away.  And, while no one can eliminate all the risk, these suggestions can make your home a less attractive target to criminals.  Taking time before you go, to put basic security measures in place means you can relax and enjoy your trip knowing that all will be well when you return home.