Purple banners, not stolen tack: Practical steps to protect your gear

For generations, livestock shows and fairs have brought farmers, ranchers, and rural communities together to exhibit their best livestock and compete for coveted purple banners. Yet, over the decades as cities grow outward and surround many of these historic venues, organizers and exhibitors are increasingly confronted with safety and security concerns.

Every year, I hear of families who report thefts of expensive equipment — from blowers and show supplies to trucks and trailers — at state and national shows in major urban centers. Few mornings start worse than discovering that an essential tool, or even a vehicle, has disappeared overnight. 

Large shows thrive on community and tradition, it’s a place where many come with the hope of feeling safe, and celebrating some victories, but the same bustle, plus high-value gear and long days, can attract opportunists. The best defense is routine and consistency. It may seem common sense, but locks and cables, keeping valuable items stowed out of sight, and heightened presence and awareness can make the difference.

Make a habit of locking equipment. show boxes, blowers, trailers, and vehicles every time you step away. Keep purses, phones, laptops, and show supplies out of sight. When possible, park on the grounds or choose well-lit, attended lots to avoid long walks along public streets after dark. Travel light so your hands are free, keep keys ready, vary your routine, and avoid broadcasting when your stalls or hotel room will be empty.

Although, nothing replaces presence, thanks to technology, simple upgrades can also go a long way. Battery-powered cameras can provide both deterrence and evidence, especially if you post that recording is in use. Engrave or mark equipment and other valuables with an owner-applied ID and add small trackers to key items. Combine that with practical barriers, solid hasps and locks, and a short “authorized access only” policy at your space, and you’ve converted a soft target into a harder one. If budgets allow, maintain a night presence or trade shifts so someone is around during peak risk hours.

Vehicles and trailers deserve special attention, because we all know, they certainly aren’t cheap. Choose on-grounds parking passes when you can; if you must park off-site, favor lit, well-traveled areas near entrances. Never leave coolers, hats, blowers, firearms, or tools visible.

Although it may seem tempting at winter shows, it’s not worth warming a vehicle unattended. Keep important paperwork at home, instead of in your glovebox, and avoid storing a spare set of keys in your car. You can also take extra steps to slow down would-be thieves: Angle wheels, set the parking brake, and consider visible deterrents like steering-wheel or pedal locks. Add a hitch lock and, for trailers, a wheel boot or GPS tracker to complicate quick getaways. They’re not foolproof measures, but extra minutes can count with a quick opportunist. 

Of course, with a community that often is encouraged to look out for each other, and kids are trusted with ample freedom, remember that personal safety is also part of it. Pair up after dark and let someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to return, and consider additional procedures to keep your kids mindful of keeping themselves and their friends safe. 

Of course, if the worst does happen, and you do find something important, and likely expensive, documentation and recovery planning also help to close the loop. Take some time before the show to create a master inventory with brands, models, serial numbers or owner-applied IDs, unique marks, photos, and receipts, and store it both on your phone and in print.

If you do have the misfortunate of something going missing, report it immediately to venue security and police, provide your serials and photos, and follow up to ask whether eligible items have been entered into national databases. Alert the show office and nearby barns with descriptions, so others can keep an eye out. 

Pay attention, use common sense, don’t forget to lock up, and have a great show season!

»Related: Theft suspected as FFA show cattle go missing in Houston