(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of items from several farmers vehicles while they were harvesting crops.
According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies were dispatched Tuesday afternoon to the vicinity of 240th and Nighthawk Roads to take the theft report.
Three vehicles parked in the area had items stolen from them--including firearms, tools, and cash--with the total loss placed at nearly $7,000.
Merchant said the thefts occurred while the farmers were combining crops in an area of the field where their vehicles were not in their immediate view, near the roadway.
An older, light colored Jeep Liberty type vehicle was reported in the area around the time of the crime, which is believed to have been between 2 and 3 Tuesday afternoon.
Merchant said surrounding counties have reported similar incidents, as well as home invasions during daylight hours recently.
"It saddens me a great deal that these types of crimes occur on private property during daylight hours. It seems as though these criminals have very little fear of legal consequences as many are repeat offenders."
Merchant wants to end these " crimes of opportunity" and is recommending residents take the necessary precautions to secure their homes and property.
He is encouraging residents to take their keys when working in the fields, and lock their doors if they are going to be out of sight of their vehicles or equipment.
Merchant is also urging residents to take the keys from their ATV's and UTV's, which are highly sought after by thieves.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
LATEST STORIES
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Jefferson Co readies for Co Fair season
MO man injured in KS weather-related crash
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Public health advisory issued for local lake