JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- The following is a news release from the Missouri Highway Patrol:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Rural Crimes Unit, and the Missouri Farm Protection Task Force encourages the farming community to be extremely observant of activities in their community, and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
With the upcoming spring planting and hay baling season, we encourage people who live in the rural areas to be mindful of the risks of equipment, livestock, and anhydrous ammonia thefts.
Grazing animals are an easy target for thieves; therefore farmers are encouraged to watch the fields where animals are feeding, and to make sure gates and fences are in good condition.
Field gates should have capping hinges so they cannot be easily removed.
Cattle panels should be removed from the fields and stored in buildings when not in use, along with valuable equipment such as mowers, tractors, and balers.
Machinery left in fields especially near roads, make equipment heft quick and easy.
The farming industry has used anhydrous ammonia for a cost effective nitrogen-based fertilizer for many years.
Criminals involved in the illegal manufacturing of Methamphetamine can also use this chemical and will target farm tanks as a source of supply.
Since anhydrous ammonia is a critical component of the drug manufacturing process, the agriculture community can play an important role in protecting their community, business, and farms.
Take the time to secure nurse tanks. Do not leave them in the field unattended.
Signs of theft include activity near the tank such as footprints in the soil, tank valves that are not tightly closed or appear to be tampered with, items left near the tank such as duct tape, garden hose, plastic tubing, bicycle inner tubes, and coolers.
If you have any information relating to this type of criminal activity please contact your local law enforcement agency, or call the rural crimes hotline at (888) 484-8477.
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