How Alberta farmers can deter thieves during harvest season, according to RCMP

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of a Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge during a news conference in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Alberta Mounties are raising the alarm over an increase in the rate of theft of fuel and equipment left unattended during harvest season.

RCMP say Albertans need to protect themselves during this busy period, especially when leaving valuable materials in remote areas.

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“These areas can be more difficult to monitor and may present additional opportunities for theft,” police said in a Tuesday news release.

“Taking a few simple precautions can help deter thieves and make suspicious activity easier to identify.”

Mounties said farmers and rural property owners can help protect themselves by:

• improving lighting, including using of motion-activated lights, in areas where fuel and equipment is stored;
• using durable, weather-resistant locks on tank caps, valves and other access points;
• locking up fuel pumps and dispensing equipment;
• installing anti-siphon devices or valves;
• regularly checking fuel levels and investigate unexplained drops immediately;
• parking vehicles in visible areas, removing keys and securing equipment when not in use;
• considering other security measures such as trail cameras for equipment that must remain in remote areas; and
• posting signage, such as warnings of video surveillance, as a deterrent.

Police request all property owners to report any incidents of theft as soon as possible, as prompt reporting can help with investigations.