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Thieves Target Agricultural Areas

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2008

We all know that Florida is famous for its hurricanes, oranges and mosquitoes. But Florida is also well known for its agriculture.

In 2005, it is estimated that $3 billion in fruit was sold in our state, making it the No. 2 source of income for Floridians. Florida is also No.10 in the world for cattle.

So how do we protect our investment?

Open land can be seen as an invitation to thieves. Little trees are the most vulnerable to theft, because of the waiting lists for them. They are easily dug up and resold.
Trailer tires are easily removed by digging out the sand around the tires and removing the outer ones. These expensive commodities bring in a nice profit for thieves. I recommend that grove owners spray paint tires and rims with a color that identifies the owner. The paint color you select can be used on the plastic tubs utilized to collect fruit as well as the gates surrounding your property. Work with your neighbors to select colors so there are no repeats in your area.

Milking cows are generally well-protected and rarely stolen because they have bar codes on them. It is important that all other cows have their issued earring in their ear, to track them to the owner.

Horses are easily removed from property while the owner is asleep. There were four horses stolen from the Northwest Hillsborough area in May 2007. Protect your horse by inserting a microchip into his neck.

Wide-open spaces are invitations for parties and 4-wheelers. If you own agricultural property, it is always recommended that you fence in your property and place, "no trespassing," signs on all sides of the fence. That helps to identify your land and to keep the ATVs off your property. However, our county code does not require fencing on any property used for agriculture. County code defines agricultural land as any land that is producing fruit or vegetables that can be sold for profit.

Just because fencing is not required, it does not mean the idea should be ignored. Protecting your land ultimately falls back to the owner.

Charity Arthur is a patrol deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in the northwest area of the county. If you have questions for her or suggestions for topics for her crime-prevention column, she can be reached at (813) 247-0330 or carthur@hc

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