Anhydrous Ammonia Stopping Theft
If what they were up to wasn't so dangerous, as well as illegal, the antics of the miscreants skulking around farms and agricultural supply stores in search of anhydrous ammonia would be comical. Witness the pair of goons captured on a surveillance camera as they went round and round in circles -- probably because they were high as a kite on drugs -- trying to figure out the easiest way to siphon ammonia from a 1,000-gallon tank. These characters made Laurel and Hardy look sophisticated.
NOT a laughing matter in agricultural circles Chemical companies, feed stores and farmers are desperate to safeguard their supplies of anhydrous ammonia, or NH3 Stolen to assist making meth NH3 is a highly valuable fertilizer
What is Meth? Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with ahigh potential for abuse and dependence. It is illegally produced and sold in pill form, capsules, powder and chunks. One simple recipe for making meth, already available on the Internet, requires several commonly available precursors, including anhydrous ammonia. The drug can be made in a makeshift "lab" that can fit into a suitcase. Very small amounts of ammonia are needed.
Legislatures in several Midwestern states have passed laws upgrading the theft of anhydrous ammonia to a felony.
Stopping-would be thieves Steps to assist in stopping Anhydrous thieves Taken from Illinois “Farmweek” Publication
Have nurse tanks delivered to fields as close to application time as possible: Most thefts occur at night in fields Place tanks in open areas where they are visible from the road Avoid putting them in remote areas. This helps law enforcement officials police them more closely
Check the condition of tanks when delivered for possible tampering Inspect them often for tampering Return tanks immediately after use Remember proper storage of anhydrous ammonia is important for the safety of you and your family DO NOT confront thieves. Contact law enforcement agencies immediately
Other Options: from the SEATTLE POST- INTELLIGENCER Blocking driveways to tank access Fencing, Lighting and Surveillance cameras.
Signs of Theft Notice if the ground has been disturbed around tanks. Watch for fresh tracks in mud or snow. Notice if valves are not closed tightly. Sometimes a valve works loose, but sometimes it is a sign of tampering. Look for suspicious items left near tanks, like duct tape, garden hoses, bicycle inner tubes, buckets or coolers. Thieves will leave these materials behind when scared off.
Look for broken or missing wire ties or seals that you can place on valve wheels as a marker. Do not disturb a crime scene. Immediately call your local law enforcement officials.
How to Respond to Suspicious Activity Call local law enforcement authorities DO NOT approach or confront suspicious individuals. If under the influence of meth, they can become dangerously violent with little warning. Make employees and customers aware of the theft problem. Store tanks in a well-lit or high traffic area. Store tanks with flow valves facing toward the drive lane to speed visual inspections. Do not leave tanks in fields or remote areas.
Inspect tanks visually first thing each morning. Many thefts occur over the weekend. Remove hoses and store them separately. There is enough ammonia ina standard decoupling hose to make meth. Block the driveway with a gate or barricade. Place brightly colored plastic ties or wire seals between the valve wheel and the roll cage to ease visual checks.
Know inventory. Record stored nurse tanks by identification number and weight of remaining product. Work with local law enforcement personnel on security steps and encourage frequent nighttime patrols. Be suspicious of those attempting to buy ammonia if they cannot state a legitimate, agronomic need for the product.