Types of Criminal Activities Predominant in Rural Areas

While densely populated areas often have different types of criminal activities such as urban crimes and petty theft, rural areas exhibit their own unique set of crimes. This article explores the types of criminal activities more prevalent in rural areas, including cattle rustling, meth labs, large-scale pot grows, and other resource-related crimes. We will delve into the reasons why these crimes are more common in rural settings and discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement.

Unique Types of Crimes in Rural Areas

Compared to cities, rural areas have a lower population density, which contributes to a different set of criminal activities. Two well-known cases that exemplify this are the aforementioned Texas Chainsaw murder sprees and the meth-crazed Speedfreaks of San Joaquin. In rural areas, a lone killer or group can operate undetected for extended periods due to the sparse population and vast open spaces.

The lack of rapid police response also makes rural areas more vulnerable to such crimes. For instance, in the Shermantine and Herzog case, the local law enforcement suspected them of being killers but were too afraid to take action. The killers, Wesley Shermantine and Lauren Herzog, reportedly killed 75 people using a chainsaw and firearms. Their crimes extended to shooting people on highways for boredom, and they even tied up kidnapped women to barbwire in remote fields. Such crimes would be immediately curb-stopped in densely populated cities like downtown Chicago.

Resource-Related Crimes in Rural Areas

Rural areas often have higher incidences of crimes related to resources commonly found in these settings, such as cattle rustling, theft of timber, and large-scale pot grows.

Cattle Rustling and Timber Theft: Rural areas are home to large tracts of land and wildlife, making them prime targets for cattle rustling and timber theft. For instance, law enforcement has seen an increase in cases involving poaching of cattle and deer, particularly in regions abundant in livestock.

Meth Labs and Large-Scale Pot Grows: Meth labs and large-scale pot grows are prevalent in rural areas due to the lack of immediate law enforcement presence and the vast, secluded spaces available. Meth labs often produce a strong smell, which is evident for miles, indicating their location. On the other hand, pot growers can plant their crops among crops, hidden from view, making them less noticeable. One such incident involves a dairy farmer whose corn field was illegally confiscated by a motorcycle gang, part of the Hell's Angels chapter of Montreal, planting pot plants.

Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement

Law enforcement faces numerous challenges in addressing these crimes. The low population density means it is more difficult for officers to monitor and patrol rural areas constantly. Additionally, there is a tendency among some in law enforcement to 'look the other way' when faced with certain crimes, such as illegal pot grows, potentially due to corruption or fear of the criminal groups involved. This creates a cycle where the criminals can operate with relative impunity.

In one case, a farmer in our area was surprised when his land was used by a gang to plant illegal pot plants. The farmer eventually destroyed the harvest, but the incident highlighted the complex relationships between local landowners, gangs, and law enforcement. The potential for a landowner to be 'bought off' and become complicit adds another layer of complexity to these crimes.

Another significant case involved the raid on a neighboring corn field, where law enforcement raided the field in hazmat suits due to the presence of illegal pot plants. The farmer's son discovered the plants, leading to a tense situation for the farmer to explain the circumstances to his young sons. This incident underscores the hidden nature of these crimes in rural areas.

Concluding Thoughts

While rural areas offer unique challenges in terms of criminal activities, it is crucial for law enforcement and communities to work together to address these issues. Increased patrols, community involvement, and better communication between different levels of law enforcement are essential steps in curbing the prevalence of these crimes. By understanding the intricacies of these rural crimes, we can better allocate resources and develop effective strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of rural communities.