The weather is good and that is also noticeable in the countryside. In spring, the Spanish countryside is in full swing, as agricultural activity grows to take advantage of the flowering season and in which many crops bear fruit or are even preparing for the next campaign. Tractors, trailers and machinery are more active than in the entire year and that also attracts criminals. The number of robberies and thefts on farms is increasing, especially at this time of year.
The Civil Guard is already warning through its official channels that thefts in the countryside “become more frequent” now that everyone is cultivating, harvesting crops or preparing the next campaign, especially in rural areas and isolated farms. The greater presence of machinery and the increase in working hours mean that equipment is more exposed, especially at night or at times of less surveillance.
It is not the first time this has happened, but now it is increasingly worrying farmers because of what it often means for their economic investment. The theft of machinery not only represents a significant economic cost, but can paralyze activity at key moments of the campaign, directly affecting production.
The ROCA teams’ warning: more vigilance and collaboration
The ROCA (Country Robbery) teams of the Civil Guard, specialized in this type of crime, insist on the importance of paying extreme attention to any suspicious movement. In different rural areas, the beginning of theft has already been detected, especially in campaigns such as the olive season.
As reported by ASAJA Madrid, agents recommend that farmers and neighbors remain vigilant on roads and farms, especially during non-peak traffic hours. In addition, they emphasize the importance of notifying 062 in the event of any unusual situation, since citizen collaboration is key to preventing these crimes.
ROCA teams also highlight that observing details such as license plates, vehicle characteristics or suspicious behavior can be decisive in resolving investigations. This cooperation between farmers, cooperatives and security forces is essential to protect farms.
Key measures to avoid theft in the field
Faced with this scenario, the Civil Guard insists that prevention is the best tool. Among the most basic recommendations is not leaving the keys in the tractors, a more common practice than it seems and that facilitates the actions of criminals.
It is also advisable to properly secure warehouses, warehouses and sheds, as well as reinforce locks or install alarm and video surveillance systems. Controlling access to farms and avoiding leaving machinery visible in accessible areas can considerably reduce the risk.
Another recommended measure is to mark agricultural equipment, which makes it easier to identify it in case of theft. Additionally, maintaining active surveillance in the area and coordinating with other farmers can act as a deterrent against criminals.
A growing problem that affects the entire sector
In recent years, security forces have dismantled several organized groups dedicated to theft in the countryside, in many cases motivated by the increase in the value of agricultural products such as oil.
Operations such as Kalabrea or Telones, carried out in different regions, have made it possible to recover thousands of kilos of stolen product and arrest dozens of those involved.
Even so, the Civil Guard insists that the key remains in prevention and citizen collaboration. The message is clear: taking extreme precautions in the middle of the agricultural season can make the difference between avoiding theft or suffering losses that are difficult to recover.