Farm Equipment Thefts Have Investigators Puzzled
TIPTONVILLE, Tenn- An attempted theft of a tractor and bulldozer has some West Tennessee farmers fearing they’re a target a crime. Lake County deputies continue to search for suspects, who they said tried to steal a tractor and other equipment from a Tiptonville farm last week, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Deputies said they are seeing more farm thefts this year and farmers should take more precautions. “It’s hard to drive the tractor home every night up and down the road,” said Lake County Farmer, Tony Bargery. “If they don’t want to move them every night, they’ve got to either trust mankind or get someone to watch it overnight,” said Lake County Deputy, Cory Gladwell. Farmers said taking metal, computers, and batteries off farm equipment are tempting for thieves; but getting away with the whole machine may be easier that than some people think. “I can take five tractors to put on my farm and no one would think anything is out of the ordinary,” said Bargery. Investigators said thieves are taking more risks, leaving farmers feeling helpless.
