The thing that makes rural security more difficult is access. There are so many places that somebody could get access through. I've tried to figure out how to handle many of the same issues you all have talked about, but it's far more difficult than in an urban environment.

I'm leaning towards a battery powered self contained system that would operate even if the phone lines were cut.

Another thing I try to do is only use service people that have a brick and mortar business. I know of several people around here that got popped after a service visit from a friend of a friend. A mechanic came to one place to work on a tractor, and needed a wrench he didn't have. He followed the owner into his shop to get it, and the guy was hit 2 nights in the next week.

The worst part was that he filed 2 separate insurance claims and the deductibles almost were as much as the loss. He assumed they wouldn't be brazen enough to come back, so he filed his first claim immediately.

Sites like Craig's List only exacerbate the situation. Stolen items can be turned almost immediately, because not all buyers are honorable people. I'm not sure many people wouldn't turn down a $5,000 Snap On tool box offered for $1,500.

Last edited by FireIsHot; 12/02/12 06:08 AM.
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