Theft of farm machinery and equipment

Keeping watch over acres of farm property, livestock, machinery and equipment can be challenging. This can make farms attractive targets for thieves.

Key crime prevention tips

To keep your equipment safe:

Explore crime prevention tips to deter trespassers, and secure your property, tools and machinery against theft.

Take steps to secure your property, even while you are at home.

Install trespass warning signs on all entry points to the property.
Lock all buildings, sheds and gates with good quality locks.
Install the latest security technology.
Install sensor lights around all buildings.
Install CCTV cameras throughout the property and around the perimeter.
- Ensure cameras cover all buildings and sheds, and entry and exit points.
- Consider solar powered cameras where wired cameras cannot be used.
Store important items in the main house.
Tell your neighbours if you plan on being away for an extended period.
- Consider asking family or friends stay at the house when you are away.

Take steps to secure and track your tools.

Never leave keys in the ignition, the vehicle, or close by.
Install tracking devices on machinery and equipment.
Make sure your tools and equipment are secured. Chain or secure tools and equipment to a fixed object, if possible.
Install a locking mechanism on trailers.
When not using equipment, disable the vehicle. Options include removing the battery, spark plugs or distributor cap.
Mark or engrave items with a unique number, code, symbol or similar that is known only by you.

Keeping records can assist you to make reports to police, and recover your items quickly.

Get to know the people in your neighbourood who can support you.

Get to know your local police.
Talk to a Farm Crime Liaison Officer in your area.
If you are going away, register your absence from residence through Services Victoria.
Make it easy for police to find your property by making your house number easily visible from the street.
Get to know your neighbours. They may recognise unusual activity when you're out.
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.
Test the safety of your property through the How safe is my place farm quiz.

If you notice that your equipment has been stolen:

if you see the thief, do not confront them. Your safety is more important than your possessions
do not touch anything
in the case of bad weather, cover any evidence
call your insurance company
upload stolen property information to Property Vault.

No issue is too small to report. If you see something suspicious, report it to police.

For emergencies, to report a crime in progress, or for immediate police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or report online at Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting.

Report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Attend your local police station to speak to an officer in person.

Agriculture Victoria provides information on a range of farming issues.

Updated 21 August 2024