Tuesday, November 12, 2019

West Coast Tomato Farm In LaBelle Robbed

LABELLE, FL. -- Sources at West Coast Tomato off Sears Rd in LaBelle, report that thieves broke into the farm Sunday night stealing chemicals, tools and welders.

The thieves apparently used a forklift on site to break down the gate and welding torch to cut locks. Surveillance tapes show a small blue pickup truck, possibly a Toyota.

Stolen chemical containers and tools were marked MFF for McClure Family Farms.

If you have information concerning this, or any other suspicious activity, call your local Sheriff's Office

Collier County Sheriff's Office at (239) 253-9300

Hendry County Sheriff’s Office 863-674-4060.

You can remain anonymous and be paid a reward if your information leads to an arrest by calling Crimestoppers at: 1-800-780-TIPS

Tips To Prevent Farm Theft:

Growers are advised to keep farm entrances and storage areas locked and maintain surveillance. Lock up all tools and chemicals, they are essentially like cash money for a thief.

Locate chemical storage well away from access roads. Be sure that all entrances to your farm are secure – even trails through the woods accessible by vehicles as some thieves are reportedly using on-line satellite maps such as Google Earth to identify building and alternative ways of entering properties via the "back way."

Perform a self audit, review your operation and security procedures and make any necessary changes to tighten security.

Request that chemicals be delivered on the days you need them and not before.

Return excess chemicals to the chemical distributor. Not having a stockpile of chemicals in your shed you will decrease the opportunity for theft.

Consider installing alarms or video cameras on chemical shed doors or windows.

It is strongly recommended that all equipment – hand tools, power tools, be marked in a specific manner that could help identify your tools if they are stolen or lost. Also consider marking car/truck batteries in a similar manner.

All chemicals should be secured daily, in a secure container or building. All padlocks should be mounted in a manner in which it is difficult to use bolt cutters to cut the padlocks.

Growers may also want to consider video surveillance - local companies like AgTronix can help with this and security systems.

Buy only from reputable dealers and do not be tempted to buy "cheap" chemicals or tools from unknown sources - you are only supporting a thief and you may be next.

Look out for your neighbor and report suspicious vehicles and activities to the Sheriffs' Office.

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