Only through citizen crime reporting is the Agricultural Patrol Section able to focus on crimes targeting the agricultural areas. Since Jan. 10, 2008, farms and fields in agricultural areas have been targeted with the theft of portable fuel tanks and farm grade diesel fuel, from 100 to 600 gallons each time. Members of the Agricultural Industry are encouraged to protect themselves from being victimized by:

  • Filing a report of missing inventory, known thefts, cut fences or gate lock chains, criminal mischief, etc.
  • Reporting location, date and time of occurrence, and the nature of the crime
  • Notifying Agricultural Patrol personnel with the description of any suspicious activity, person, and vehicle (tag, type, make, model, and color)

Report an Agricultural Crime

To report an agricultural crime or suspicious activity, contact the Agricultural Patrol Section directly:

Phone: 786-218-8344

Email: [email protected]

Nursery Thefts

Nurseries in the Redland Area are being targeted with burglaries and thefts of plants, plastic planting pots, equipment, and fertilizer. Incidents are occurring during and after business hours. Suspects may be casing nurseries during business hours and returning after dark.

Ways to deter suspects from victimizing nurseries:

  • Adequately secure all plastic planting pots, equipment, and/or fertilizer away from public view
  • Request an Agricultural Patrol Watch Order upon the delivery of large shipments of plastic planting pots, and/or fertilizer
  • Make a report of missing inventory, known thefts, cut fences or gate lock chains, etc.
  • Notify Agricultural Patrol personnel with the description of any suspicious activity, person, and vehicle (tag, type, make, model, and color)

Tips to Prevent Agricultural Crime

  • Engrave equipment and all tools with name of business and the owner's driver license number
  • All properties should be fenced, gated and well lit
  • Ideally, install security cameras in strategic locations with a tape backup
  • Place lighting at the same angle as security cameras, not facing them
  • Maintain an accessible list of serial numbers for equipment and VINs for all motorized vehicles
  • Enclose pumps in a cage or other structure
  • Remove keys from equipment
  • Limit key holders
  • When possible, store materials not visible from the roadway
  • Only order materials as needed — do not order surplus quantities
  • Cut the plastic strap securing stacked planting pots after delivery
  • Secure valuables in locked storage areas
  • If available, have a caretaker live on the property
  • Advise the Agricultural Patrol Section of all suspicious incidents