Farm Watch
About Farm Watch
California producers are victims of more than a tenth of all U.S. farm crimes. The need for added security measures is obvious. The “Farm Watch” program has been designed to meet this demand, by increasing awareness, fostering relationships between neighbors and local law enforcement agencies, and striving to prevent thefts and vandalism of property. The following are suggested ways to begin organizing and implementing a “Farm Watch” program in your area. For more, contact your local Sheriff’s Department.
Download the Farm Watch Program
Download a PDF file which describes how to begin a Farm Watch program in your area.
Farm Watch Program (PDF, 39 KB)
$1,000 reward offered by Allied
A reward program is offered by Allied Insurance Company to the person(s) giving information leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) who committed a crime against a Farm Bureau member and/or information that leads to the recovery of property stolen from a Farm Bureau member. Depending on the dollar value and the severity of the crime, the reward will vary from $250 to $1,000.
Contact CFBF for details.
Information Needed for Filing a Claim:
- Farm Bureau member’s name and membership number.
- A copy of the sheriff or police report.
- A copy of the court report.
Restrictions:
- The person suffering the loss must be a current Farm Bureau member.
- Law enforcement or persons who have interest in the subject's property are not eligible.
- In order to receive the reward, the information must lead to an arrest and conviction.
For more information, contact:
Allied's Claims Department
1601 Exposition Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 924-4131
Ag Zone Security
Due to increased concerns about terrorism and sabotage, national security measures are being extended to include agricultural zones. All farms should have some measure of site security in place to minimize terrorist or crime activities, as well as to protect assets. This is especially true for operations that store and handle hazardous chemicals.
Basic security measures should include fences, walls, locked doors and alarm systems. In addition, security lighting (good lighting around buildings, storage tanks and storage areas) can make it very difficult for someone to trespass undetected. Intrusion detection systems, such as video surveillance and motion detectors, provide an even higher level of security.
Before taking steps to improve site security, you may want to evaluate your current system and determine what improvements, if any, are needed. Decisions about improving site security should be made after evaluating how vulnerable the chemicals are to threats. Factors to consider include:
- The chemicals stored at your site – Some chemicals may be especially attractive targets because of the potential for greater consequences if released.
- Reduce the amount of chemicals stored – This will not only help reduce the possibility for theft, but will also reduce community concerns about farm chemicals being a terrorist target.
- The location of the site – Easy access is also attractive. If possible, locate storage away from roads.
- Current site security measures – Are the existing security systems (i.e., fences, security lighting, security patrols) adequate to limit access?
- The type of buildings – Older buildings may be more vulnerable because of easier access.
- Hours of business – Operations with minimal hours or fewer employees may affect security.
Get more information on chemical safety:
Chemical Safety (PDF, 59 KB)