Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
3/29/99
Contacts:
Charles Schwab, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering,
(515) 294-6360
Sharon Rogers, Iowa Crime Prevention Association, (800)
355-IOWA
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communications, (515) 294-5168
Country Living No Escape From Crime
AMES, Iowa--Country living may offer wonderful sunsets, songbirds and a different pace, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security, says an Iowa State University Extension safety specialist.
"Property crime in rural areas has been increasing over the years," says Charles Schwab. "You can't afford to be complacent just because you live in the country. A lack of security can only lead to trouble if you live in the country or on a farm."
U.S. Department of Justice data for 1997 shows that rural Iowa had more than 8,600 reported cases of crimes against property, which includes burglary, larceny theft and motor vehicle theft. Schwab says that rural communities have unique crime problems, such as theft of crops, timber, livestock or expensive farm equipment. Unlike days gone by, vandals do more than break mailboxes; they can be part of a larger, more organized network of thieves, or be part of a growing drug manufacture and trade.
"Many people move to rural areas to escape crime," says Sharon Rogers of the Iowa Crime Prevention Association. "The problem arises when criminals also move their activities out of major metropolitan areas to escape the scrutiny of law enforcement personnel. This isn't limited to property crimes; we are seeing major problems with methamphetamine production in rural areas."
Schwab offers several security tips developed by the Iowa
Crime Prevention Association:
* Make sure outside doors in your home and outbuildings are
solid wood or metal and have deadbolt locks. And use the
locks!
* Keep your house, driveway, barns and other buildings well-lighted at night using timers. Consider motion sensors that set off lights or alarms. Keep fences in good repair and secure access roads with gates or cables stretched between posts. "No Trespassing" and "No Hunting" signs warn thieves that you're on the alert.
* Secure gas pumps, gas tanks, storage bins and grain elevators with sturdy padlocks or deadbolts. Keep small equipment (mowers, bikes, snowmobiles) locked in a barn or garage. Never leave keys in vehicles or farm equipment, or large equipment in a field overnight.
* Contact your local law enforcement agency about Operation Identification, an organized way to mark tools, guns and equipment with a permanent identification number.
* Be a good neighbor. Neighborhood Watch groups can help reduce crime in rural areas, too.
For more information, contact your county ISU Extension office or local sheriff. The Iowa Crime Prevention Association operates a resource center in Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines, and staffs a toll-free hotline, 1-800-355-IOWA.
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