Having your farm equipment and machinery stolen can be inconvenient and expensive to replace. It can also disrupt your daily tasks and reduce productivity.
Explore crime prevention tips to secure your property and deter thieves.
Key crime prevention tips
- Secure your property.
- Secure your items.
- Make it harder for thieves.
Theft prevention checklist
Secure your property
- Install trespass warning signs on all entry points to the property.
- Lock all buildings, sheds and gates with good quality locks.
- Install the latest security technology.
- Install sensor lights around all buildings and sheds.
- Install CCTV cameras throughout the property and around the perimeter.
- Ensure cameras cover all buildings and sheds, and entry and exit points.
- Use solar cameras where wired cameras cannot be used.
- Ensure cameras cover all buildings and sheds, and entry and exit points.
- Keep chemical and fuel storage facilities within sight of the main house.
- Cut overhanging branches and trim shrubs back to make it harder for thieves to hide.
- Tell your neighbours if you plan on being away for an extended period.
- Consider having family or friends stay at the house when you are away.
Secure your items
- Keep tools and ladders locked away so thieves can’t use them to access your buildings.
- Record serial/model numbers and photograph any valuable items.
- Keep invoices and receipts.
- Never store firearms in uninhabited buildings.
- Mark or engrave items with a unique number, code, symbol or similar that is known only by you.
- Never leave keys to vehicles or machinery in ignition or close by.
Make it harder for thieves
- Install fences around the property. Check them regularly and repair any damage promptly.
- Install good quality locks on all buildings and sheds.
- Trim any trees or bushes regularly to make it harder for thieves to hide.
Other things you can do
- Get to know your local police.
- Talk to a Farm Crime Liaison Officer in your area.
- If you are going away, register your absence from residence through Services .
- Make it easy for police to find your property by making your house number easily visible from the street.
- Get to know your neighbours. They may recognise unusual activity when you're out.
- Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.
- Test the safety of your property through the How safe is my place farm quiz.
What to do if your shed has been broken into
- If you see the thief, do not confront them. Your safety is more important than your possessions.
- Do not touch anything.
- Call your insurance company.
- Upload stolen property information to Property Vault.
Report it
No issue is too small to report. If you see something suspicious, report it to police.
If you are aware of, or witness to a farm related theft occurring but you are not the victim, ensure police are notified of that crime.
- For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).
- For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.
- Attend your local police station to talk to an officer in person.
Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Resources
Agriculture Victoria provides information on a range of farming issues.
The Game Management Authority regulates game hunting in Victoria.
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