Three Ways to Get Robbed

Common mistakes attract agricultural property theft
By: Lisa Bryant

A brand is the No. 1 identifier of livestock in the state of Oklahoma. (Photo by Jessica Crabtree)

Farmers are generally trusting souls. Many of us grew up without locking the front door. Country folks look for the best in people, but our innocent nature may be inviting the fox into the hen house while increasing your risk of property theft.

Crime in rural areas is rising. Factors such as higher cattle prices and escalating methamphetamine addictions are driving agricultural property loss upward in Oklahoma according to two Oklahoma law enforcement officers.

Jerry Flowers, colonel and chief special agent over law enforcement of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said several cattle rustling rings, including a large ring in northwestern Oklahoma that included more than 100 head, are cropping up. In late December, charges were filed on six defendants in the northwestern ring.

Bart Perrier, Special Ranger for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the uptick in rural crime is market driven.

Read more on protecting yourself from agricultural property theft in the February issue of OKFR.