As California’s citrus harvest approaches, growers need to take proactive steps to protect their orchards, equipment, and employees from theft and vandalism. The California Rural Crime Prevention Task Force (CRCPTF) recommends the following best practices to help reduce risk and support law enforcement efforts across rural communities. Implementing even a few of these measures can significantly improve on-farm security, safeguard your investment, and ensure a smooth and uninterrupted harvest season.
Please see the Grower Checklist below on Pre-Harvest Security & Crime Prevention strategies:
- Post “No Trespassing” signage – Clearly mark the perimeter of orchards and storage sites. Visible signs act as deterrents and support the prosecution of trespass.
- Inventory & mark equipment – Keep accurate logs, serial numbers, and unique identifiers for tractors, harvesters, pumps, and trailers. Consider using an “Owner Applied Number (OAN)” program.
- Secure vulnerable assets – Especially high-value or frequently targeted items (irrigation copper wiring, pumps, chemicals). Use locked sheds, secure wiring, CCTV, and fencing as needed.
- Illuminate and monitor access points – Ensure proper lighting around field edges, pump houses, and equipment yards; limit hidden access points.
- Establish a neighborhood/farm-watch procedure – Collaborate with neighbor growers, crew bosses, and local law enforcement to report suspicious vehicles, persons, or activity. Information sharing matters.
- Train staff and field crews – Ensure workers know how to report suspicious activity, recognize when something is out of place, and understand their role in security.
- Use alarm systems and surveillance where justified – For remote sites or high-risk assets, consider motion/laser alarms, video monitoring, and GPS tracking for trailers/equipment.
- Evaluate harvest-specific risks – With the citrus harvest upcoming, anticipate increased activity, temporary labor, and transported loads; monitor equipment movement and set check-in/out procedures for harvest crews.
- Keep good records and report incidents promptly – Even seemingly minor incidents matter; timely reporting improves recovery chances and enhances law enforcement responsiveness.
- Engage with CRCPTF and other resources – Sign up for bulletins to stay updated on rural crime trends and trainings.
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