MOSES LAKE - Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones offered property protection tips to about 110 farmers at the Mid-Columbia Basin Hay Growers Association Annual Hay Meeting.

Jones acknowledged the farmers' frustration about metal and wire thefts in the county.

Times have changed, he pointed out.

Ten years ago, it was common for rural residents to leave their doors unlocked.

It's not the case anymore.

Now he advises rural residents to lock the doors to their homes, shut their garage, shed and barn doors, and whenever possible, temporarily disable their combines and tractors to prevent thefts.

Placing pet doors out of sight is important because burglars, some are meth users, have been known to enter homes through pet entrances.

Meth users are driven by the drug and do not care what they have to do to secure their next fix.

They have often slimmed down enough to squeeze through small entry ways.

Property thefts in the outlying areas of Grant County outnumber thefts in the higher population centers.

As a result, he appropriately assigns deputies to rural areas.

"We can't do it alone," he said. "Make sure neighbors are aware of when you're gone."

It's important to make your home appear occupied during absences. A timed light sensor is one way to do so.

Firearms

Many farmers own firearms, which he encourages.

In Grant County, he cites five cases where farmers held suspects at gunpoint.

He cautioned the audience that when a firearm is used, there is a 50 percent chance a situation can go right and a 50 percent chance it can go wrong.

When considering using a firearm for property protection, it's important to consider if you or your family is in danger of being hurt or killed, he said. If this isn't the case, one might want to reconsider their position.

In another county, a man working in agriculture is being prosecuted for a decision he made regarding a firearm. In his mind, he thought he was doing the right thing, Jones said. But the authorities apparently didn't see it that way.

Jones recommends firearms are locked up and not accessible to others, as the number one item stolen from agricultural homes is firearms.

Grain and hay thefts

Grant County experienced a small amount of hay and grain thefts last year.

"Obviously, we need your help again," he said. "They are looking for places out of the way."

He said he is sure most of the farmers are marking their hay and mentioned the use of identification confetti tabs. They are a small piece of paper with an identification tab.

The tabs are used in Oklahoma and are safe for cattle to eat, he said. The confetti can be removed before grain is used for human consumption.

Farmers can use different colors of string when bailing hay, which helps identify their product. He asked farmers to call their office if they use a certain color or strand coordination.

If farmers are able to use different string colors, he recommends they do so.

Motion cameras

One of the biggest techniques he is pushing is using motion cameras, as they are relatively inexpensive.

He encouraged the audience to call the sheriff's office if they see suspicious activity.

Last year, deputies made about 25 arrests from farmers' reports. In some cases, suspects had stolen property in their truck beds.

It is difficult to monitor irrigation circles if they are located a great distance from your home, he said.

To prevent metal thefts, he recommends cameras and circle alarms.

During power outages, he advises farmers to call deputies to help prevent circle wire thefts.

Kelsey Hildebrand, of High Mountain Hunting Supply in Moses Lake, spoke about the benefits of a covert "Special OPS" camera, which costs about $350.

The battery-operated cameras can be placed anywhere and are weatherproof.

Camera images can be sent to your email accounts or phones. Even if you can't see a face or license, authorities can be called.

The cameras are connected to a GPS-grade satellite.

For more information about the cameras, visit 12238 N Frontage Rd. East, Moses Lake or call 509-431-6681.

Crime reporting

To report crime or suspect tips, call 9-1-1 or 509-754-2011, or email crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. People offering information can remain anonymous.