Burglars in the Barn

[Survey1]

Hi folks,
I have an interesting problem to solve. Someone is getting into my barn during the week while I'm not around. I have a 30x35x12 pole barn in rough shape right now but I'm getting it farther up to par every weekend. It used to house horses in separate stalls a long time ago, 20yrs or so. About 4 weeks ago I started tearing out the stalls for tractor and implement space. The next week someone snuck in and started clipping the original wiring at convenient places for them....inconvenient for me since I plan to restore power soon. I suppose this is to salvage the scrap copper by the theif. I began my security hardening by repairing the lower guide wheels on the sliding doors to prevent the ability to just pull the door away from the building to gain access but I didn't get to the front stops that weekend so the following weekend the perpetrator just pushed the door forward and bent the lock hasp enough to pass the lower guide roller I just installed and got in again. Now I have fixed the forward stop to correct this on the front door and on the back door. The problem remains though that the perimeter and doors have the metal siding starting at 1' roughly above the ground and anyone willing can roll under the door and a couple other areas not secured by rough cut lumber nailed or screwed that low to gain access......not to mention just standing on the rollers to bend them down and again pull the door out and enter. A 4"x4" positioned under the final bottom roller should prevent this but I seek other methods of restitution short of taking a week of vacation to camp out in my barn with a 45 and wait. Any suggestions?

 

[whistlepig]

I was robbed twice where we used to live. Big dogs solved that problem.

 

[Survey1]

Dogs sound great but I could only be there once a week on the weekend to feed and water them. These days PETA could put you in prison for such an atrocity but at least they would be hungry for a meal during the week!....lol

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would get my gun and a buddy and camp out but I am a Red Neck so to speak. They would get a Arse Kicking then the cops called. Can not stand a thief.

Chris

 

[smalltown]

Too bad you couldn't hang a trail camera to get some photos of the person/people or a plate number if they are using a vehicle. There are field cameras that take photos at night via infrared, that do not use a standard flash.

 

[Survey1]

The sad part is that any barn can be gotten into with the right tools. I just want to make it difficult enough and loud enough to wake a nearby retired woman to call the law....well thats a lie....I'd really like to set a trap that maim's or kills.....but I suppose that's illegal. Wish I was in Texas!

 

[Carl_NH]

Get a $100 +- game camera - Set it up outside if you think they are arriving by car (by tire tracks etc) where you can catch their license or a decent photo of them.

I would not use flash mode as you would likely not have a camera either.. Also get insurance coverage on the place..

At least you might catch them in action and can take appropriate counter measures.

The concern I would have is this activity will only get worse as you make improvements they will undo all the work and more..

You could also set up some trip wires... with ordinance, but maybe thats the back up plan?

 

[Survey1]

shape charges and land mines have come to mind but it is evidently illegal here....of course a dead man can't testify......okay I'm sounding like the sopranos.....but I'm angry. Funny thing is there is a four wheel ATV, 8n tractor, YM2000BD Yanmar tractor, 4 implements and 20 or so hand garden tools, top links etc...none of which are touched.....just wanting my copper wiring I suppose. Diamond....I am not beyond it....A weeks vacation to hunt human may be worth it. An outside Game Cam is being thought about for now.

 

[whistlepig]

Game camera is evidence after the fact. Damage is already done. Big dogs are 24/7 365 days a year. Big dogs are a big responsibilty. Don't want any children or innocents hurt.

 

[Survey1]

Yessir Whistlepig. I can't take care of them during the week though. Perhaps I can get my Brother-in-law thats nearby to chain his dogs up in there at night. It would be a bit of work for him though. I fear retaliation by the skum though.