(MSC News)--While the fall harvest season includes the annual warning to motorists to share area roadways with farm equipment, area authorities are issuing an additional alert for farmers and residents alike: secure vehicles during harvest season.

That word is delivered in a release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington which says the Sheriff's Office, as the "County's agricultural community begins the busy fall harvest season," is reminding "everyone to take precautions against vehicle burglaries and thefts, explaining that "with farmers spending long hours in the fields, vehicles left unattended become easy targets for criminals."

The Sheriff's Office, the release notes, "has seen numerous reports of thefts from vehicles on rural properties at farmsteads in the past," saying that "criminals often target unlocked vehicles, stealing valuables, tools, and sometimes the vehicle itself."

The release tells the public their cooperation is needed "in preventing these crimes," with the release saying that "taking a few extra seconds to lock your doors and/or remove valuables can make a huge difference."

A similar warning is being sent in Brown County where Sheriff John Merchant, on Wednesday, said he'd received several reports that morning "from farmers who were concerned about suspicious vehicles lurking around their fields recently," noting that "a dark colored SUV and a Maroon colored pickup have been reported pulling in to fields where harvest is taking place and when farmers notice this, the vehicle/s leave in a hurry." Additionally, Merchant- report involves a lighter colored passenger car, with Missouri plates, driving around fields repeatedly.

So far, Merchant says, there have been no theft reports, only suspicious activity, and tells residents to lock all vehicles, equipment, homes, and outbuildings and to remain aware, adding that most of the activity has been in the northern part of Brown County, with deputies and other law enforcement agencies notified and will provide extra patrols.

Anyone who sees activity of concern should contact local authorities, whether it be in Brown, Doniphan, or elsewhere.