Signage that deters criminals

A number of different types of signs, posted on entry gates, barn doors and other prominent locations, may help to deter thieves from targeting your farm. Here are three that may be especially helpful:

• No Trespassing. Even just setting foot onto private property without the owner’s permission is illegal, and intruders may be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the state and the circumstances, even if nothing is damaged or stolen. State laws vary, but you will almost always have more legal recourse if you post written notification that trespassing on your farm is unwelcome. Check with your state law enforcement agency for specific details about the required wording, design and placement of No Trespassing signs on your property.

• Warning: Video surveillance. If you invest in a video surveillance system, post signs declaring that all activities on your farm will be caught on camera. This alone may deter casual intruders.

• Farm Watch. If you’ve joined a Farm Watch group, post signs declaring that fact. A number of wordings and designs are available, but some of these signs also state that your animals and equipment are marked with permanent identification—which is an important fact to broadcast. Even if you have only an informal group, or none at all, post the Farm Watch signs anyway. Strangers won’t know the difference.