NCJ Number
90659
Date Published
1982
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Thieves find that rural crime is easy and profitable, but imagination, self-reliance, and cooperation can reduce such crimes. Actor Slim Pickens, peace officers, farmers, and ranchers explain how to protect equipment, animals, and crops from thieves.
Abstract
The film offers practical and easily applied ideas for increasing security and reducing vulnerability. It also helps to create awareness and a sense of unity and community. Both California State and county peace officers describe rural crime prevention programs. Both formal and informal crime prevention programs share several elements. They reduce vulnerability by making people aware of three simple rules: lock it, mark it, and watch it. Pickens, peace officers, and the farmers and ranchers show how to apply these rules to equipment, animals, and crops. The FBI's Owner Applied Number (OAN) program is described. A 10-digit code identifies an individual farm or ranch as well as the State and county. This number, stamped on machinery and used on 'identification confetti' sprinkled among field crops, makes it difficult for thieves to sell stolen property to legitimate buyers. The film shows that where these suggestions have been followed, rural crime has been sharply reduced. (Author abstract modified)