This edition of Farming. The countryside is brought to you by pivot biop proven 40 os the nitrogen you need. Now on seed, learn more at pivot bio dot com.

This edition of Farming. The countryside is brought to you by pivot biop proven 40 os the nitrogen you need. Now on seed, learn more at pivot bio dot com.

Welcome to farm in the countryside. I'm Andrew mccray. We like to think of rural areas and farm country as a safe place to live. That may be the case, but it is still a location where crime can take place and in some cases, the types of crimes are unique to that area. We take a look at how a criminal might view your farm and home. What is it? They see that you don't and how can you help prevent becoming a target? That's our topic for this week's farm in the countryside brought to you by pivot.

Welcome to farm in the countryside. I'm Andrew mccray. We like to think of rural areas and farm country as a safe place to live. That may be the case, but it is still a location where crime can take place and in some cases, the types of crimes are unique to that area. We take a look at how a criminal might view your farm and home. What is it? They see that you don't and how can you help prevent becoming a target? That's our topic for this week's farm in the countryside brought to you by pivot.

If you pay for nitrogen, you want to make sure you get what you pay for. As a farmer, I want a predictable productive and weather proof option. But that can be hard to find. You get that predictability with pivot bio proven 40 os, a reliable form of nitrogen delivered during the most critical growth periods. Pivot bioproducts

If you pay for nitrogen, you want to make sure you get what you pay for. As a farmer, I want a predictable productive and weather proof option. But that can be hard to find. You get that predictability with pivot bio proven 40 os, a reliable form of nitrogen delivered during the most critical growth periods. Pivot bioproducts

contain naturally occurring microbes that fix nitrogen from the air and provide it directly to corn plants all season long for the past three years. Pivot bio has offered us corn growers a product that is applied through an in feral application. Now, pivot bio proven 40 on seed gives growers even more flexibility with their nitrogen plant. I'm using proven 40 os and I hope you'll check it out as well. Visit pivot bio dot com. For more information,

contain naturally occurring microbes that fix nitrogen from the air and provide it directly to corn plants all season long for the past three years. Pivot bio has offered us corn growers a product that is applied through an in feral application. Now, pivot bio proven 40 on seed gives growers even more flexibility with their nitrogen plant. I'm using proven 40 os and I hope you'll check it out as well. Visit pivot bio dot com. For more information,

many of us have been the target of crime sometime in our lives. It could be a theft that takes place in the night, far from our home or it could be something far more personal, no matter the crime, we'd all like to avoid it. Trooper. Austin Kings is a criminal investigator and rural crimes investigator with the Missouri Highway patrol. Although he works the show me state his knowledge of rural crime is something that applies to many areas of our country.

many of us have been the target of crime sometime in our lives. It could be a theft that takes place in the night, far from our home or it could be something far more personal, no matter the crime, we'd all like to avoid it. Trooper. Austin Kings is a criminal investigator and rural crimes investigator with the Missouri Highway patrol. Although he works the show me state his knowledge of rural crime is something that applies to many areas of our country.

I learned a lot from a recent program he presented. So I made time to sit down and interview him and share his crime prevention tips. A lot of ideas and trends that I was glad to know to help me keep the farm and family safe.

I learned a lot from a recent program he presented. So I made time to sit down and interview him and share his crime prevention tips. A lot of ideas and trends that I was glad to know to help me keep the farm and family safe.

Visiting with Austin Kings and Austin. You have, I think somewhat unique title uh within law enforcement here. I'm just gonna have you talk about what division you help head up and, and why that division is important to a lot of us out in farm country.

Visiting with Austin Kings and Austin. You have, I think somewhat unique title uh within law enforcement here. I'm just gonna have you talk about what division you help head up and, and why that division is important to a lot of us out in farm country.

Sure. Uh I'm part of the rural crimes investigative unit, uh, that's associated with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Uh, my position within the highway patrol is a criminal investigator within the division of drug and crime patrol. And kind of

Sure. Uh I'm part of the rural crimes investigative unit, uh, that's associated with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Uh, my position within the highway patrol is a criminal investigator within the division of drug and crime patrol. And kind of

the best way to understand that is the division of drug and crime control is the highway patrol's detective division more or less. And so within that division, I work as a criminal investigator and then I kind of have a, a dual hat of being a rural crimes investigator

the best way to understand that is the division of drug and crime control is the highway patrol's detective division more or less. And so within that division, I work as a criminal investigator and then I kind of have a, a dual hat of being a rural crimes investigator

in general. What types of crimes may be somewhat unique to rural areas as opposed to others? Because you have a division just to handle that. So there's obviously some things that you tend to cover more than some others.

in general. What types of crimes may be somewhat unique to rural areas as opposed to others? Because you have a division just to handle that. So there's obviously some things that you tend to cover more than some others.

Sure. Um, you know, most rural crimes, what we consider rural crimes are kind of a related and a lot of those crimes, uh, refer, refer specifically

Sure. Um, you know, most rural crimes, what we consider rural crimes are kind of a related and a lot of those crimes, uh, refer, refer specifically

to thefts, burglaries, uh, kind of some agg related fraud type crimes. So, when we talk about rural crimes, those are the crimes that we're actually talking about.

to thefts, burglaries, uh, kind of some agg related fraud type crimes. So, when we talk about rural crimes, those are the crimes that we're actually talking about.

We'll jump into to some of what you're seeing out there. Let's, let's talk theft first because I think as a farmer myself, I think about that of, ok, what might be out there that people want?

We'll jump into to some of what you're seeing out there. Let's, let's talk theft first because I think as a farmer myself, I think about that of, ok, what might be out there that people want?

Some of them are sure items that we've heard of and some would say, oh, I hadn't really thought about that. What are you seeing out there? That is maybe hot items in the, in theft.

Some of them are sure items that we've heard of and some would say, oh, I hadn't really thought about that. What are you seeing out there? That is maybe hot items in the, in theft.

Yeah. Um, it's interesting, uh, when it comes to theft, it's really kind of market dependent. So, whatever the markets are doing, that's kind of what the hot item is. And so, um, we kind of see the same trends that are always popular. Uh, one, for example, is equipment theft. Equipment, theft is always, always going on occurs all hours of the day. Um, and it occurs, uh, people are stealing things every, from everything from, you know, small trailers to, uh, tractors, uh, heavy equipment,

Yeah. Um, it's interesting, uh, when it comes to theft, it's really kind of market dependent. So, whatever the markets are doing, that's kind of what the hot item is. And so, um, we kind of see the same trends that are always popular. Uh, one, for example, is equipment theft. Equipment, theft is always, always going on occurs all hours of the day. Um, and it occurs, uh, people are stealing things every, from everything from, you know, small trailers to, uh, tractors, uh, heavy equipment,

uh, and even, you know, chainsaws hand tools, um, small generators, cutting torches, those types of things, you know, people are out there and they'll still pretty much anything to get their hands on. Anything they can, they think they can make some money

uh, and even, you know, chainsaws hand tools, um, small generators, cutting torches, those types of things, you know, people are out there and they'll still pretty much anything to get their hands on. Anything they can, they think they can make some money

on. And I suppose those items are fairly consistent over time. They are always items that are fairly interesting, I guess you would say for people that are on the wrong side of the law.

on. And I suppose those items are fairly consistent over time. They are always items that are fairly interesting, I guess you would say for people that are on the wrong side of the law.

Yeah. Um, there's, uh, an organization out there called National Equipment Registry and they kind of track a lot of those things and every now and then they'll put out flyers when it comes to holiday weekends about the types of things that are traditionally stolen on those holiday weekends. But kind of the big, big ticket items are typically, uh, lawnmowers, skid, steers side by sides, uh, four

Yeah. Um, there's, uh, an organization out there called National Equipment Registry and they kind of track a lot of those things and every now and then they'll put out flyers when it comes to holiday weekends about the types of things that are traditionally stolen on those holiday weekends. But kind of the big, big ticket items are typically, uh, lawnmowers, skid, steers side by sides, uh, four

wheelers. Those types of items are typically the most heavily stolen items.

wheelers. Those types of items are typically the most heavily stolen items.

What about things that we may not think of right at the forefront, you know, metals and things like that. Copper and so forth that maybe that is still big. But I know out on the farm we used to always hear about people wanting to go after some of that metal. What are you finding in those areas? Yeah, that's

What about things that we may not think of right at the forefront, you know, metals and things like that. Copper and so forth that maybe that is still big. But I know out on the farm we used to always hear about people wanting to go after some of that metal. What are you finding in those areas? Yeah, that's

always a popular item and especially when the prices go up. Um Copper thefts are always uh up and down depending on the prices. The um

always a popular item and especially when the prices go up. Um Copper thefts are always uh up and down depending on the prices. The um

they take the copper, it can be from farm, uh buildings, out buildings, uh abandoned houses, those types of things. And uh a lot of times the pivot irrigation systems, you know, whenever copper prices go up, those irrigation systems and those motors are typically one of the places they hit you, you think they can go out in the middle of the night and if there's a tall field of corn out there, they can be out there all night and nobody will even see them.

they take the copper, it can be from farm, uh buildings, out buildings, uh abandoned houses, those types of things. And uh a lot of times the pivot irrigation systems, you know, whenever copper prices go up, those irrigation systems and those motors are typically one of the places they hit you, you think they can go out in the middle of the night and if there's a tall field of corn out there, they can be out there all night and nobody will even see them.

And then kind of related to copper theft, obviously, uh metal theft within metal theft catalytic converter thefts have, have been kind of something. We've seen an increase of over the last couple of years and uh it varies by area in the state. But uh we see those pretty regularly now and then

And then kind of related to copper theft, obviously, uh metal theft within metal theft catalytic converter thefts have, have been kind of something. We've seen an increase of over the last couple of years and uh it varies by area in the state. But uh we see those pretty regularly now and then

is it any certain types of vehicles that are more susceptible to that or what do I need to be thinking about when it comes to catalytic converters.

is it any certain types of vehicles that are more susceptible to that or what do I need to be thinking about when it comes to catalytic converters.

Yeah. So typically uh first catalytic converters are, are sought after because there's there's three types of metal in them that are are precious metals, redeem platinum and palladium. And so there's very small amounts of those metals inside the catalytic converters. But the prices for those metals is what drives the market of that catalytic converter. And so um catalog converters come in different sizes based on the type of vehicle you have and typically the larger vehicle, the larger catalytic converter you have.

Yeah. So typically uh first catalytic converters are, are sought after because there's there's three types of metal in them that are are precious metals, redeem platinum and palladium. And so there's very small amounts of those metals inside the catalytic converters. But the prices for those metals is what drives the market of that catalytic converter. And so um catalog converters come in different sizes based on the type of vehicle you have and typically the larger vehicle, the larger catalytic converter you have.

Um No, that's not always the case because there are some converters that have higher amounts of those precious metals in them. But uh you know, typically uh big farm trucks are something that they seek out because vehicles that set up higher off the ground um

Um No, that's not always the case because there are some converters that have higher amounts of those precious metals in them. But uh you know, typically uh big farm trucks are something that they seek out because vehicles that set up higher off the ground um

and are easily accessible or vehicles that they look into. And typically, you know, like e 350 vans and f 3 50 trucks and those types of vehicles are vehicles they seek out just because they're easy to access and they have a high amount of metal in those catalytic converters.

and are easily accessible or vehicles that they look into. And typically, you know, like e 350 vans and f 3 50 trucks and those types of vehicles are vehicles they seek out just because they're easy to access and they have a high amount of metal in those catalytic converters.

You know, we're going to talk about some specific

You know, we're going to talk about some specific

way to deter theft, but before we get off the catalytic converters, are there any things that we should be thinking about that helps prevent that theft other than ok, I want to take that vehicle inside. You know, it's, it's not easily acceptable accessible. Are there any things I should be thinking about to help prevent those types of thefts.

way to deter theft, but before we get off the catalytic converters, are there any things that we should be thinking about that helps prevent that theft other than ok, I want to take that vehicle inside. You know, it's, it's not easily acceptable accessible. Are there any things I should be thinking about to help prevent those types of thefts.

You know, a lot of times these stuffs occur along the interstate. So vehicles get broke down, they get left along the interstate or in commuter lots. Um, sometimes they'll sneak on a private property and cut them out. But I think, uh, you know, parking in a, a lighted area, um, marking your catalytic converter, either get under there with some bright orange spray paint and spray that, that's kind of a deterrent that, that we've seen work in some areas. And then

You know, a lot of times these stuffs occur along the interstate. So vehicles get broke down, they get left along the interstate or in commuter lots. Um, sometimes they'll sneak on a private property and cut them out. But I think, uh, you know, parking in a, a lighted area, um, marking your catalytic converter, either get under there with some bright orange spray paint and spray that, that's kind of a deterrent that, that we've seen work in some areas. And then

they do make these, uh catalytic converter kind of cages that are cable cages that fit on your exhaust system and, uh, kind of wrap around there just make it a little bit more difficult for them to, to steal.

they do make these, uh catalytic converter kind of cages that are cable cages that fit on your exhaust system and, uh, kind of wrap around there just make it a little bit more difficult for them to, to steal.

I want to jump over to livestock. But before I do, are there any other things thinking about the metals, the Cadillac converters, those types of things, equipment that you're seeing that are trends on farms up there.

I want to jump over to livestock. But before I do, are there any other things thinking about the metals, the Cadillac converters, those types of things, equipment that you're seeing that are trends on farms up there.

Um As far as trending, I think, uh, you know, like I said, tractors, uh, lawn mowers, uh, side by sides are just something that's really popular for people to steal. They can get rid of those pretty quickly. Um, but those seem to be kind of the main items that get stolen the

Um As far as trending, I think, uh, you know, like I said, tractors, uh, lawn mowers, uh, side by sides are just something that's really popular for people to steal. They can get rid of those pretty quickly. Um, but those seem to be kind of the main items that get stolen the

most. You know, maybe I should ask before we jump off of that. If I'm out there looking to purchase something like that from somebody. How do I make sure that I'm not buying something that is stolen?

most. You know, maybe I should ask before we jump off of that. If I'm out there looking to purchase something like that from somebody. How do I make sure that I'm not buying something that is stolen?

Sure, that can be difficult. Um Sometimes there's some telltale signs, you know, if it looks freshly painted, um, look into that. Um, all uh items have a product identification number on there which is kind of the equivalent to a VIN plate on a vehicle. Um And so check those, those pin plates, make sure that, uh, the plate is there a lot of times you can go online and do the research and find out where you should look for that pin and kind of what sequence it should be in.

Sure, that can be difficult. Um Sometimes there's some telltale signs, you know, if it looks freshly painted, um, look into that. Um, all uh items have a product identification number on there which is kind of the equivalent to a VIN plate on a vehicle. Um And so check those, those pin plates, make sure that, uh, the plate is there a lot of times you can go online and do the research and find out where you should look for that pin and kind of what sequence it should be in.

If anything looks off, uh, you know, you can always call your local sheriff's department and call us and, and just ask us if we can run that, that number and we can check to see if it is stolen, if we know about it being stolen, which is sometimes the hard thing because a lot of times they steal them and they, they go sell them before it can be reported as stolen or before it's identified. So that's, uh, that can be a difficult part of

If anything looks off, uh, you know, you can always call your local sheriff's department and call us and, and just ask us if we can run that, that number and we can check to see if it is stolen, if we know about it being stolen, which is sometimes the hard thing because a lot of times they steal them and they, they go sell them before it can be reported as stolen or before it's identified. So that's, uh, that can be a difficult part of

that.

that.

Livestock is something that I think all of us as livestock producers think about. Some of us have experienced theft. We can get over to fraud in a moment, but as far as what we would think about actual cattle rustling or taking livestock out of pins and pastures. Are we still seeing a lot of that, uh, what has been happening because certainly those animals are worth a lot these days.

Livestock is something that I think all of us as livestock producers think about. Some of us have experienced theft. We can get over to fraud in a moment, but as far as what we would think about actual cattle rustling or taking livestock out of pins and pastures. Are we still seeing a lot of that, uh, what has been happening because certainly those animals are worth a lot these days.

Sure. Um, and that's kind of one thing that is, is very market dependent, obviously. Uh, I think when we talk about livestock thefts, mostly the thing that comes to mind in, in, in my mind mostly because

Sure. Um, and that's kind of one thing that is, is very market dependent, obviously. Uh, I think when we talk about livestock thefts, mostly the thing that comes to mind in, in, in my mind mostly because

that's what I see the most is, is cattle thefts. Um, we don't, you know, we had a case several years ago, one of the investigators worked a piglet theft where, uh, you know, an employee at a, a hog farm was disgruntled about whatever and ended up stealing some piglets and had no reason to have a mother and then she just wanted to take them from the farm.

that's what I see the most is, is cattle thefts. Um, we don't, you know, we had a case several years ago, one of the investigators worked a piglet theft where, uh, you know, an employee at a, a hog farm was disgruntled about whatever and ended up stealing some piglets and had no reason to have a mother and then she just wanted to take them from the farm.

But I think when it comes to livestock theft, those things kind of happen intermittently when prices go up, we do see a lot more of that and then you kind of mentioned fraud. We do see oftentimes when prices go up too, we'll see some fraudulent kind of insurance fraud type crimes when it comes to cattle theft where they report them as being stolen and try to get paid out, not giving anybody any ideas out there because that is illegal. But that's kind of the trend that we do see from time to time

But I think when it comes to livestock theft, those things kind of happen intermittently when prices go up, we do see a lot more of that and then you kind of mentioned fraud. We do see oftentimes when prices go up too, we'll see some fraudulent kind of insurance fraud type crimes when it comes to cattle theft where they report them as being stolen and try to get paid out, not giving anybody any ideas out there because that is illegal. But that's kind of the trend that we do see from time to time

and, uh, you know, cattle thefts are difficult to investigate for, for several reasons. Uh, a lot of times they're just in remote locations, um, and it occurs overnight. So by the time the farmer gets out there in the morning to check his cows and, and go through them, they're gone and doesn't really know how long they've been gone. And you think, you know, if it's six hours or whatever, you can be in another state pretty easily.

and, uh, you know, cattle thefts are difficult to investigate for, for several reasons. Uh, a lot of times they're just in remote locations, um, and it occurs overnight. So by the time the farmer gets out there in the morning to check his cows and, and go through them, they're gone and doesn't really know how long they've been gone. And you think, you know, if it's six hours or whatever, you can be in another state pretty easily.

Uh, and, and go off and sell those to a yard somewhere and virtually those cattle are gone. You know, it's very difficult to track those cattle, especially in the rural areas. We don't always have a lot of leads to go off of and a lot of evidence to use to, to find out who did it

Uh, and, and go off and sell those to a yard somewhere and virtually those cattle are gone. You know, it's very difficult to track those cattle, especially in the rural areas. We don't always have a lot of leads to go off of and a lot of evidence to use to, to find out who did it

when you think about preventing crime. Certainly, there's one thing about things that are maybe at my property or in a shed or in a house. But when it comes to livestock, do you find anything that

when you think about preventing crime. Certainly, there's one thing about things that are maybe at my property or in a shed or in a house. But when it comes to livestock, do you find anything that

helps prevent those types of theft? Because you're right, you could be dealing with a lot of acreage that's far from a home or a light or anything

helps prevent those types of theft? Because you're right, you could be dealing with a lot of acreage that's far from a home or a light or anything

like that. Yeah, I think, uh, having, having good locks on your gates is, is gonna be a key one. And one thing that I kind of want to talk about, you know, we, we always, a lot of times you got a double gate, you know, you put a chain around there and just put a lock through the chain or however, and a lot of those chains are easy to cut and that type of thing. Um, you know, one suggestion that I have is if you got two gates coming together, they make those uh, U shaped bicycle locks that are,

like that. Yeah, I think, uh, having, having good locks on your gates is, is gonna be a key one. And one thing that I kind of want to talk about, you know, we, we always, a lot of times you got a double gate, you know, you put a chain around there and just put a lock through the chain or however, and a lot of those chains are easy to cut and that type of thing. Um, you know, one suggestion that I have is if you got two gates coming together, they make those uh, U shaped bicycle locks that are,

you know, they're not indestructible and they are, they, they can help deter people just because of their, their strength and they're a little bit harder to, to break through and cut through and, you know, anything that causes a thief to waste more time doing one thing is that much more of a chance that someone could come driving down the road and, and completely deter the crime from happening. So really, you're buying time with a device like that, that uh makes them work a little bit harder to get what they're looking for.

you know, they're not indestructible and they are, they, they can help deter people just because of their, their strength and they're a little bit harder to, to break through and cut through and, you know, anything that causes a thief to waste more time doing one thing is that much more of a chance that someone could come driving down the road and, and completely deter the crime from happening. So really, you're buying time with a device like that, that uh makes them work a little bit harder to get what they're looking for.

And then obviously, uh you know, camera systems uh trail cams are so prevalent these days, you can go just about anywhere and buy them and um you know, setting those up across from your gates near your gates and trying to get good camera uh pictures is, is definitely helps

And then obviously, uh you know, camera systems uh trail cams are so prevalent these days, you can go just about anywhere and buy them and um you know, setting those up across from your gates near your gates and trying to get good camera uh pictures is, is definitely helps

us with those cameras. Are there any things I need to think about, about how good of a camera I need? Because obviously you need to see some detail that's gonna help you out to have a more detail that you can.

us with those cameras. Are there any things I need to think about, about how good of a camera I need? Because obviously you need to see some detail that's gonna help you out to have a more detail that you can.

Yeah, absolutely. Um You know, it goes back and forth but the higher resolution cameras, uh higher megapixels, those types of things. A lot of times they'll have images on the boxes anymore. You can go online and read reviews about the cameras but you wanna try and get a camera that can get a clear picture from a good distance. You know. Um, one thing that, that I talk about when I give presentations, I, I show several pictures of

Yeah, absolutely. Um You know, it goes back and forth but the higher resolution cameras, uh higher megapixels, those types of things. A lot of times they'll have images on the boxes anymore. You can go online and read reviews about the cameras but you wanna try and get a camera that can get a clear picture from a good distance. You know. Um, one thing that, that I talk about when I give presentations, I, I show several pictures of

camera footage or, you know, screenshots from cameras where you look at it and yeah, you can see there's, there's someone there or you can see there's a vehicle there, but outside of that it's just so blurry, you can't really obtain any useful information from it. And so it's important that you get a camera system that that does have a higher resolution, high, higher pixels that, you know, sometimes you can get a license plate number off that or at least a good vehicle description, maybe some identifying marks on the vehicle, be it, uh, damage or, you know, bumper stickers or anything like that.

camera footage or, you know, screenshots from cameras where you look at it and yeah, you can see there's, there's someone there or you can see there's a vehicle there, but outside of that it's just so blurry, you can't really obtain any useful information from it. And so it's important that you get a camera system that that does have a higher resolution, high, higher pixels that, you know, sometimes you can get a license plate number off that or at least a good vehicle description, maybe some identifying marks on the vehicle, be it, uh, damage or, you know, bumper stickers or anything like that.

What about just in general? Maybe it's items that I have close to my home or sheds and so forth. What are some of the tips? Sometimes? They aren't big tips but things we just don't think about that help deter thieves.

What about just in general? Maybe it's items that I have close to my home or sheds and so forth. What are some of the tips? Sometimes? They aren't big tips but things we just don't think about that help deter thieves.

Sure. Um, what we always recommend is kind of a, a three prong thing, you know, light it up, lock it up and, and put some cameras on it. That's kind of what we go to. Uh, there's so many battery powered camera systems out there. And uh, solar powered lights that you can put a motion camera, motion sensor light just about anywhere. Um, that you need to, uh, a lot of times that light will just, that light coming on deters people because then they start thinking, well, maybe there's a camera here that's capturing this too and so

Sure. Um, what we always recommend is kind of a, a three prong thing, you know, light it up, lock it up and, and put some cameras on it. That's kind of what we go to. Uh, there's so many battery powered camera systems out there. And uh, solar powered lights that you can put a motion camera, motion sensor light just about anywhere. Um, that you need to, uh, a lot of times that light will just, that light coming on deters people because then they start thinking, well, maybe there's a camera here that's capturing this too and so

light it up, you know, lock it up if you can put a lock on, on it, lock your vehicles, don't leave the keys in it. I know growing up in rural Missouri here we always left keys and vehicles and, and very rarely do. We even lock the, the, you know, front door when we were gone, you know. But, uh, anymore you got to do that and it's unfortunate it is that way. But, you know, lock, lock, the doors, don't leave keys and things, uh, lock up your equipment if you got a shed, you know, put a lock on there.

light it up, you know, lock it up if you can put a lock on, on it, lock your vehicles, don't leave the keys in it. I know growing up in rural Missouri here we always left keys and vehicles and, and very rarely do. We even lock the, the, you know, front door when we were gone, you know. But, uh, anymore you got to do that and it's unfortunate it is that way. But, you know, lock, lock, the doors, don't leave keys and things, uh, lock up your equipment if you got a shed, you know, put a lock on there.

Um, like I said, the, the U shaped bicycle locks are, are handy to use just because they, they are a little bit harder to get into. And then another lock that I know from personal experience that is very strong is, I think they call it a discus lock. And it's kind of one of those round locks that has just a limited portion at the top where the shackle actually shows.

Um, like I said, the, the U shaped bicycle locks are, are handy to use just because they, they are a little bit harder to get into. And then another lock that I know from personal experience that is very strong is, I think they call it a discus lock. And it's kind of one of those round locks that has just a limited portion at the top where the shackle actually shows.

And, uh, I've seen, uh, had to, had to cut a couple of those several times and I can tell you they take the long set of bolt cutters to, to get that broken. So they're, they're very strong and I think they're a good, a good choice as well. Um, and then as far as cameras, we kind of talked about that. But, uh, yeah, just, just buy a good camera anymore. They sell, uh, cameras that have SIM cards in them and you can pay a monthly subscription price that it'll send a picture straight to your phone. You know, as soon as it takes that picture.

And, uh, I've seen, uh, had to, had to cut a couple of those several times and I can tell you they take the long set of bolt cutters to, to get that broken. So they're, they're very strong and I think they're a good, a good choice as well. Um, and then as far as cameras, we kind of talked about that. But, uh, yeah, just, just buy a good camera anymore. They sell, uh, cameras that have SIM cards in them and you can pay a monthly subscription price that it'll send a picture straight to your phone. You know, as soon as it takes that picture.

And so something like that is gonna get the jump on someone stealing from you and you're gonna be able to call and, and get the sheriff's office out there or whoever out there relatively quickly and, and potentially stop that crime or catch that criminal. And, uh, you know, that's one thing that rambling on here but we see repeatedly in, in rural crimes, you know, um,

And so something like that is gonna get the jump on someone stealing from you and you're gonna be able to call and, and get the sheriff's office out there or whoever out there relatively quickly and, and potentially stop that crime or catch that criminal. And, uh, you know, that's one thing that rambling on here but we see repeatedly in, in rural crimes, you know, um,

it's a lot of the same people carrying out multiple crimes and so you catch one, you don't know how far out that extends how many crimes they've committed. And so getting those leads and those cameras and clues to help us figure out who it is, is very important,

it's a lot of the same people carrying out multiple crimes and so you catch one, you don't know how far out that extends how many crimes they've committed. And so getting those leads and those cameras and clues to help us figure out who it is, is very important,

those committing those crimes. Do they tend to be folks from rural areas that know those areas fairly well or does it tend to be strangers or is it all across the board?

those committing those crimes. Do they tend to be folks from rural areas that know those areas fairly well or does it tend to be strangers or is it all across the board?

It's kind of all across the board. Um, I've seen, seen it both ways. A lot of times people are from that area, they drive around and they see, you know, what you have out there, they may be driving by and just see it one day and then notice when you're not there and go take those items. Um, also seen it where can't, can't draw a connection between the victim and the suspect at all and it just,

It's kind of all across the board. Um, I've seen, seen it both ways. A lot of times people are from that area, they drive around and they see, you know, what you have out there, they may be driving by and just see it one day and then notice when you're not there and go take those items. Um, also seen it where can't, can't draw a connection between the victim and the suspect at all and it just,

they were out driving around and saw something they wanted and decided to take it. Uh, I think a lot of times when it comes to livestock thefts, you know, that's kind of a more personal thing where they're gonna know what type of herd you got or what type of animals you got. And so they're probably someone that you've, you've dealt with or has been around. Um, and so that kind of brings me to another, another point of protecting yourself, you know, be a good neighbor. Um, if you see something, say something,

they were out driving around and saw something they wanted and decided to take it. Uh, I think a lot of times when it comes to livestock thefts, you know, that's kind of a more personal thing where they're gonna know what type of herd you got or what type of animals you got. And so they're probably someone that you've, you've dealt with or has been around. Um, and so that kind of brings me to another, another point of protecting yourself, you know, be a good neighbor. Um, if you see something, say something,

one recommendation we give is, you know, keep a notepad and your side by side or, you know, right there on the dash of your vehicle with a pin and if you see suspicious vehicles in the area just kind of hanging out, you know, write down a license plate number because that's going to be the quickest way that we can track people down and, and find them. If something does go missing,

one recommendation we give is, you know, keep a notepad and your side by side or, you know, right there on the dash of your vehicle with a pin and if you see suspicious vehicles in the area just kind of hanging out, you know, write down a license plate number because that's going to be the quickest way that we can track people down and, and find them. If something does go missing,

we've tended to focus mostly on theft, but other rural crimes that are important. I know that you've talked about drug use in the past and that's something that,

we've tended to focus mostly on theft, but other rural crimes that are important. I know that you've talked about drug use in the past and that's something that,

uh, unfortunately rural areas tend to have drug use and so forth. What do you see out there in rural areas now with drugs?

uh, unfortunately rural areas tend to have drug use and so forth. What do you see out there in rural areas now with drugs?

You know, uh, years ago everybody was worried about the clandestine methamphetamine labs. You know, we don't see much of that anymore. Um, most narcotics that are out there are now purchased. It's, it's a lot cheaper for them to get it from Mexico and its import and everything. But, uh, methamphetamine is kind of a, has been a drug of choice around Missouri and the Midwest for a long time.

You know, uh, years ago everybody was worried about the clandestine methamphetamine labs. You know, we don't see much of that anymore. Um, most narcotics that are out there are now purchased. It's, it's a lot cheaper for them to get it from Mexico and its import and everything. But, uh, methamphetamine is kind of a, has been a drug of choice around Missouri and the Midwest for a long time.

Now. I think most people have probably heard about fentaNYL being out there and being lace and things. So we're seeing more and more of that on the kind of criminal side that I also work. You know, we've, we've seen multiple overdoses from fentaNYL, it's out there and then, you know, obviously marijuana is out there legalized here in Missouri now. But, uh, you know, that's, that's out there. And I, my personal opinion, you know, I think people are still going to be growing it here and there. And, um,

Now. I think most people have probably heard about fentaNYL being out there and being lace and things. So we're seeing more and more of that on the kind of criminal side that I also work. You know, we've, we've seen multiple overdoses from fentaNYL, it's out there and then, you know, obviously marijuana is out there legalized here in Missouri now. But, uh, you know, that's, that's out there. And I, my personal opinion, you know, I think people are still going to be growing it here and there. And, um,

you know, that's kind of the drug trends that we see the ongoing drug trends

you know, that's kind of the drug trends that we see the ongoing drug trends

with your job. Then how do you investigate these crimes? Is it many times your ability to talk to multiple sheriff's departments and begin to coordinate because a lot of this property is moving over large spans of, uh, miles and livestock selling in different jurisdictions and so forth. How do you investigate and, and try to solve those crimes?

with your job. Then how do you investigate these crimes? Is it many times your ability to talk to multiple sheriff's departments and begin to coordinate because a lot of this property is moving over large spans of, uh, miles and livestock selling in different jurisdictions and so forth. How do you investigate and, and try to solve those crimes?

Yeah. So, uh, we work really closely with sheriff's department. A lot of times that's kind of where we get some of our cases from is, uh, you know, a sheriff's department will get a call about something and, uh, they may be at their wits end or may not have the manpower to work on those types of things. So a lot of times they'll call us and ask us to assist them with that. Um As far as us working on it, it's a lot of networking and that's kind of one thing that

Yeah. So, uh, we work really closely with sheriff's department. A lot of times that's kind of where we get some of our cases from is, uh, you know, a sheriff's department will get a call about something and, uh, they may be at their wits end or may not have the manpower to work on those types of things. So a lot of times they'll call us and ask us to assist them with that. Um As far as us working on it, it's a lot of networking and that's kind of one thing that

um being the highway patrol rural crimes unit, we kind of have a big network of various agencies that we can work with and sometimes just know about resources that local law enforcement agencies don't always know about. And so we, we kind of pull as many resources as we need to. A lot of it is networking.

um being the highway patrol rural crimes unit, we kind of have a big network of various agencies that we can work with and sometimes just know about resources that local law enforcement agencies don't always know about. And so we, we kind of pull as many resources as we need to. A lot of it is networking.

Um Like you mentioned, uh and one thing that makes rural crimes hard to investigate is it covers such a large geographic area. And sure I work here in Missouri, but, you know, a lot of times these things cross state lines. And so um one kind of advantage that, that I have being a state trooper is uh having such a large geographic area that I work in a lot of times I'll know about

Um Like you mentioned, uh and one thing that makes rural crimes hard to investigate is it covers such a large geographic area. And sure I work here in Missouri, but, you know, a lot of times these things cross state lines. And so um one kind of advantage that, that I have being a state trooper is uh having such a large geographic area that I work in a lot of times I'll know about

a crime that occurred in, we'll say the northern part of Troop F, which, you know, Audin Boone County. And then I might know about an instance that occurred in southern Troop Dent County or Crawford County, which for anyone not familiar with those areas, those are two or three hours apart, um, drive time and, and sometimes local agencies just can't keep up with the information sharing that is necessary. So that's one way that we are able to kind of

a crime that occurred in, we'll say the northern part of Troop F, which, you know, Audin Boone County. And then I might know about an instance that occurred in southern Troop Dent County or Crawford County, which for anyone not familiar with those areas, those are two or three hours apart, um, drive time and, and sometimes local agencies just can't keep up with the information sharing that is necessary. So that's one way that we are able to kind of

investigate crimes is in information sharing and connecting other agencies together with information that can help solve those crimes.

investigate crimes is in information sharing and connecting other agencies together with information that can help solve those crimes.

Do you find for folks in farm country? Are we good about reporting crimes and things like we should because you can only do as much as with the information you have. So what tips do you give us on being in touch with law enforcement when we need to be?

Do you find for folks in farm country? Are we good about reporting crimes and things like we should because you can only do as much as with the information you have. So what tips do you give us on being in touch with law enforcement when we need to be?

Sure, I think um a lot of times it's, it depends on what the crime is, you know, uh for example, catalytic converters when those kind of started going up, I say I started, I saw a rise, I, I'd say in 2020 kind of during the COVID thing. And I think initially a lot of those were getting reported and then, you know, after a while it was kind of like, well, my converters gone, they're not gonna find the guy. I'm not gonna report it. So it really depends. Um, when it comes to equipment theft, you got to get that reported

Sure, I think um a lot of times it's, it depends on what the crime is, you know, uh for example, catalytic converters when those kind of started going up, I say I started, I saw a rise, I, I'd say in 2020 kind of during the COVID thing. And I think initially a lot of those were getting reported and then, you know, after a while it was kind of like, well, my converters gone, they're not gonna find the guy. I'm not gonna report it. So it really depends. Um, when it comes to equipment theft, you got to get that reported

that goes in a database. And those numbers show that it's been stolen for quite a while. If you make an insurance claim, you know, that goes into another database that law enforcement can't have access to and can look and see if, if a, a specific serial number or item number was made an insurance claim. A lot of times we can find it that way. I worked a case a while back and it was a theft that I worked and

that goes in a database. And those numbers show that it's been stolen for quite a while. If you make an insurance claim, you know, that goes into another database that law enforcement can't have access to and can look and see if, if a, a specific serial number or item number was made an insurance claim. A lot of times we can find it that way. I worked a case a while back and it was a theft that I worked and

the landowner actually had trail cams out that got great pictures of the suspects and the suspect vehicle. From the time I got the call of it, it took him all of about one day to track down the suspects and we found out that they had taken, they stole a trailer and some other items, taken it to one of their relatives houses and stored it in the shed there. Well, we went to talk to the relative and he takes us out to the shed and says, well, they brought it out here. I didn't, didn't know it was stolen.

the landowner actually had trail cams out that got great pictures of the suspects and the suspect vehicle. From the time I got the call of it, it took him all of about one day to track down the suspects and we found out that they had taken, they stole a trailer and some other items, taken it to one of their relatives houses and stored it in the shed there. Well, we went to talk to the relative and he takes us out to the shed and says, well, they brought it out here. I didn't, didn't know it was stolen.

Um, we start looking at the trailer and kind of looking around. Well, here in the sheds, a four wheeler. And so looking at that, I, I asked the property owner about it. Well, where did that come from? Well, they dropped that off several years ago and, you know, come to find out that Four Wheeler was stolen four years prior and here it is in the shed. And so, um, my point is it's important to, to report those things that way we can also track kind of the trends that are going on and know what's being stolen. But, uh, you know, there's a chance that long down the road, someone may find something and

Um, we start looking at the trailer and kind of looking around. Well, here in the sheds, a four wheeler. And so looking at that, I, I asked the property owner about it. Well, where did that come from? Well, they dropped that off several years ago and, you know, come to find out that Four Wheeler was stolen four years prior and here it is in the shed. And so, um, my point is it's important to, to report those things that way we can also track kind of the trends that are going on and know what's being stolen. But, uh, you know, there's a chance that long down the road, someone may find something and

we can get it back to you. One thing that people, they report them. But what's important is writing down your serial numbers of items and recording those pin numbers. One of our investigators worked a crime where he ended up recovering 100 5 firearms that, you know, this guy wasn't supposed to have. He was a felon in possession of firearms. But when it came down to it, people didn't document their serial numbers on their firearms. So when we go running those serial numbers, we have no record of who they belong to.

we can get it back to you. One thing that people, they report them. But what's important is writing down your serial numbers of items and recording those pin numbers. One of our investigators worked a crime where he ended up recovering 100 5 firearms that, you know, this guy wasn't supposed to have. He was a felon in possession of firearms. But when it came down to it, people didn't document their serial numbers on their firearms. So when we go running those serial numbers, we have no record of who they belong to.

Contrary to maybe some popular beliefs out there, we don't have a big database of firearms that we can just go pull from and find out who purchased these firearms and all that. So whenever you don't document those serial numbers and you don't report those crimes, a lot of times we can't give you your property back.

Contrary to maybe some popular beliefs out there, we don't have a big database of firearms that we can just go pull from and find out who purchased these firearms and all that. So whenever you don't document those serial numbers and you don't report those crimes, a lot of times we can't give you your property back.

So it's important to always report what's missing. Are

So it's important to always report what's missing. Are

there any other trends or just things that you think would be important for folks to know that you're seeing because you deal with this every day. So what are the things that we need to be thinking about?

there any other trends or just things that you think would be important for folks to know that you're seeing because you deal with this every day. So what are the things that we need to be thinking about?

One other trend? Maybe that is worth mentioning is kind of phone scams. A lot of times these phone scams occur in rural areas and they'll target elder, elderly folks.

One other trend? Maybe that is worth mentioning is kind of phone scams. A lot of times these phone scams occur in rural areas and they'll target elder, elderly folks.

Um I worked several of those cases and ended up tying those together and they came back to that uh networking with other agencies. But uh one of those deals where an older gentleman got a phone call and said, grandpa, I'm in jail and I need some money. And grandpa said, well, you don't sound like you. What's wrong? Oh, well, allergy season, you know, I got a cold this or that and um, these, these people were brazen enough to actually send a courier out to pick up the money from him. So I think, uh that's a trend that kind of comes and goes and we see it in waves, but

Um I worked several of those cases and ended up tying those together and they came back to that uh networking with other agencies. But uh one of those deals where an older gentleman got a phone call and said, grandpa, I'm in jail and I need some money. And grandpa said, well, you don't sound like you. What's wrong? Oh, well, allergy season, you know, I got a cold this or that and um, these, these people were brazen enough to actually send a courier out to pick up the money from him. So I think, uh that's a trend that kind of comes and goes and we see it in waves, but

it's best practice. You know, if you don't, don't go pick up a large amount of money and just give it to someone you don't know, never provide your banking account information to someone over the phone and just be leery of anybody calling and asking you for personal information or banking information, anything like that.

it's best practice. You know, if you don't, don't go pick up a large amount of money and just give it to someone you don't know, never provide your banking account information to someone over the phone and just be leery of anybody calling and asking you for personal information or banking information, anything like that.

I appreciate

I appreciate

the time. Thank you so much. Appreciate

the time. Thank you so much. Appreciate

you.

you.

Thanks for listening to this week's show. Remember you can follow farm in the countryside. And our daily show American Countryside on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and youtube just type in farm in the countryside or American countryside. And remember you can hear these shows in a variety of ways at farming the countryside dot com on many local radio stations or your favorite podcast platform. If you miss one of our shows, just use those platforms to go back and catch other topics of interest as well. I appreciate you joining me. I'm Andrew mccray. I'll catch you next time on farming the countryside.

Thanks for listening to this week's show. Remember you can follow farm in the countryside. And our daily show American Countryside on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and youtube just type in farm in the countryside or American countryside. And remember you can hear these shows in a variety of ways at farming the countryside dot com on many local radio stations or your favorite podcast platform. If you miss one of our shows, just use those platforms to go back and catch other topics of interest as well. I appreciate you joining me. I'm Andrew mccray. I'll catch you next time on farming the countryside.

This edition of Farm in the countryside is brought to you by pivot biop proven 40 os the nitrogen you need. Now on seed, learn more at pivot bio dot com.

This edition of Farm in the countryside is brought to you by pivot biop proven 40 os the nitrogen you need. Now on seed, learn more at pivot bio dot com.