Rural communities have their own unique crime problems that include theft of crops, timber, livestock, fuel and farm equipment. Also, there is the ongoing problem with vandalism to property and trespassing that invariably leads to negative outcomes. The ever-growing problem with the manufacturing of methamphetamine also poses a somewhat newer dilemma, as many of the "labs" are hidden in remote rural areas.

Due to the recent near-record prices being paid for farm commodities, such as livestock (beef) and soybeans, it may be quite tempting for thieves to target the rural communities.

As I was growing up on a grain/livestock farm near Lovington, our closest neighbor was approximately a half-mile away. There were the occasional problems with fuel theft and people cutting fences so that they could fish in "our" creek, but today's problems certainly place a different light on crime. At that time, neighbors within a 10-mile radius or so helped with baling hay, shucking corn, and other farm operations as needed. Whenever there was a "different" vehicle in the neighborhood, you could rest assured that everyone took notice and discussion at the a.m. coffee shop eventually exposed any possible problems. Maybe with the inception of the larger farms, the neighborhood "community watch" concept has lessened, but it has been proven that this is one of the best ways to deter thieves.

Here is how you can help reduce crime in your area:

Check, Protect and Guard:

• Thieves hate bright lights -install outside lights and keep them on at night.

• Make sure external doors, in your home and outbuildings, are solid wood or metal and have dead bolt locks. Use the locks!

Tattoo all livestock and mark young stock soon after birth. Take a regular count of livestock and don't "bed" your livestock in an area where it would be easy for loading if at all possible. Consider a guard dog.

• Never leave keys in vehicles or farm equipment and lock all vehicles. Don't leave tools in the open or in the bed of your truck.

• Consider marking grain with non-toxic confetti.

• Report any activity that may be methamphetamine production related to law enforcement. Look for structures that have windows blackened or covered, excessive or unusual trash including items such as gasoline, antifreeze, BBQ propane tanks, coolers, drain cleaner, chemically stained coffee filters and duct tape. Look for excessive foot traffic, in and out, especially at night, powerful oders, especially those that smell like ammonia, ether or cat/pet urine, and boxes of cold medicine such as Sudafed or Claritin.

• Best of all, get together with your neighbors to start a Neighborhood or Farm Watch group. Involve all ages and work with law enforcement.

Dan Dawson is Prevention Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, (217) 782-6515, or dddawson@uiuc.edu.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop