LA PORTE, Ind. — More farmers are getting video cameras to combat vandalism and theft, but some offenders in today’s high-tech world apparently are adjusting to keep from getting caught.

An Indiana man, for example, had his surveillance video system disabled before 100 gallons of fuel was siphoned from a diesel tank on his Union Mills area farm in the northwestern part of the state. The system was installed just 10 days prior to the late-August theft, but whoever stole the fuel was keen enough to remove the memory card, rendering the camera useless, police said.

"That could be an indicator that someone had a working knowledge of the farm operation and knew how to disable it," said Capt. Mike Kellems of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office.

The fuel was taken from a tank used to power the irrigation system for the corn grown by farmer Don Glasgow. It wasn’t the first time police in LaPorte County handled farm-related complaints, including the theft of a diesel engine and generator used to power an irrigation system.

Allen Arndt had a 90-hp Cummins diesel engine and a 15-kV electric generator, both on a wheeled steel frame, stolen from his cornfield outside LaCrosse. The cost of replacement and repairing the damage done to the irrigation system to steal the items was estimated at $30,000.

Vandalism and theft, including the stripping of copper from irrigation systems, continues to be a problem on farms across the country. As a result, farmers are now more likely to install video surveillance and other security systems to guard their properties.

Some states such as Indiana have adopted laws increasing the penalties for theft and vandalism, especially in cases of higher monetary losses. "It’s unfortunate, because that’s how these people are making their living," Kellems said.

Another victim that week in the area was Harold Parker, president of the LaPorte County Farm Bureau. Cody Ruiz, 20, of La Porte was arrested for damaging crops in a 1,000-foot-long path with his 2000 Ford Ranger pickup, police said.

He wound up in the field by failing to negotiate a curve on 250 East, but instead of heading directly back, drove in a half-circle back to the road, leaving several thousands of dollars in damaged crops in his wake. The Parker farm two miles east of La Porte grows corn, seed corn, tomatoes and soybeans.

Kellems said video cameras help, but no matter what security measures are taken, it’s difficult to protect farms, considering the vast amount of acreage involved. One of the more effective strategies is paying close attention to anything that might be suspicious and for neighboring farmers to watch each other’s properties.

Contacting law enforcement immediately about a theft, vandalism or anything unusual is also important, to begin the process of investigating and catching those responsible while any evidence is still fresh.

"The single biggest key is to communicate. If something doesn’t sound right, let us know," said Kellems.