Reward For Agricultural Chemical Theft Infomation

Chemical Theft Increasing In Area

IMMOKALEE, FL. -- Growers around Immokalee report that theft of agricultural chemicals around Southwest Florida appears to be on the increase.

Last night, TOR Farms on CR 846 was the target and thieves used a truck to pull the door off the chemical store room and made off with everything they could haul away.

At least 6 farms were targeted over the past two weeks with AG chemicals being stolen.

Growers are advised to keep farm entrances and storage areas locked and maintain surveillance. Lock up all 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".

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.

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

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.

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

If you have information concerning this, or any other crime in Collier County you are urged to contact: 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