Bad Walk Through the Woods

[Razrbk89]

I walked to the back of our place today to discover that we've had 3 trail cams stolen. First thing stolen off of this farm since its been in the family. The gate hasn't been locked in 60+ years because theft has never been a problem in our area. One of our great neighbors who we've know for decades has a recently acquired an out of state grandson in-law who was caught stealing their other neighbor's cameras this summer.....

I think the worst thing about the situation is just having your faith shaken. Our neighbors have had our gate keys or known how to access our farms forever. We don't care if they hunt on us or come on our places any time because they have all been family friends for generations. Having something stolen in this fashion makes it so awkward to deal with.

I'm not sure if I'll even say anything to the neighbor because I know they're stressed enough about the little **** anyway. I caught him lying in muzzleloader season because his FIL told me he'd killed a buck on us (which is fine) and then he b'sd me when I ran into him (not fine).

Do you start locking the gate?

Approach the elderly neighbors about it? Gah.... I don't know, we'll see.

[TxBobcat]

Only way to get it to stop is to have the talk with the neighbor. Plain and simple. Good luck

[Razrbk89]

Only way to get it to stop is to have the talk with the neighbor. Plain and simple. Good luck

You're probably right about that. I just hate to call them and not know 100% that it's their relative doing it. You can nearly guarantee that it is, I would just hate to falsely accuse. I'll find out sooner or later. The kid already knows he's not welcome over here anymore...and that could have been what prompted the theft.

[Bullseye07]

Call the neighbor. Don't accuse anyone. Just say:"We've had some stuff stolen over here, had you guys had any trouble?"

[rtp]

Call the neighbor. Don't accuse anyone. Just say:"We've had some stuff stolen over here, had you guys had any trouble?"

This is how I would handle it and see where it goes from there.

[Texas Grown]

I'd just let the neighbors know that some trail cams have been stolen. No accusations. They can conclude for them selves if they suspect it's the boy. And if they are as good as you say, and the boy is the cause, they will let you know.

[CEO]

Call the neighbor. Don't accuse anyone. Just say:"We've had some stuff stolen over here, had you guys had any trouble?"

Exactly. Just get the conversation started.

[Sideler]

Call the neighbor tell him...... Hey, we had to put a lock on out gate because we had some trail cameras stolen. Just wanted to give you the gate combo 1234 . Have you had any problems?

This lets him know that you had a problem, but you still trust Him. Let him deal with the grandson. You don't have to keep the gate locked forever but it gives you an easy in with the neighbor.

[Big Poppa Blake]

Have the talk. Everyone who should appreciate the gravity of the situation, will.

[Razrbk89]

I'd just let the neighbors know that some trail cams have been stolen. No accusations. They can conclude for them selves if they suspect it's the boy. And if they are as good as you say, and the boy is the cause, they will let you know.

I'm going to go see them this evening. They're elderly and probably wouldn't know that it happened, but I'm sure they wouldn't put it past him. The middle generation of their family left the state years ago so there's no go between. I'm sure it'll turn out ok. Just annoying!

[Bigfootwolff]

The only variable that has changed is the neighbor's grandson in law moving in and with no prior theft issues he steals some neighbor's cams over the summer, and now yours come up missing after you know he accessed your property to hunt on. Seems likely who the culprit is although not 100%. I would make your neighbor aware of what happened, and give him a descrption of the 3 stolen cams, so if he hears of anyone in the area trying to sell them, to please let you know. I would also tell him that until the local thief is apprehended, you ate going to start locking your gate. Let the neighbor connect the dots and he himself probably has a hood idea it was the grandson. When he begins to realize the problems the kid is creating for a generational group of neighbors, he may tell him it is time to locate a nrw place to stay. Sounds like the kid already has burned a bridge or 2 before coming to live with your neighbor. Good luck!

[AddisonOil]

Locking the gate ain't gunna keep the young feller off you place...

[bwool]

Bear traps!

[Cajun Blake]

I would hide additional TC's positioned near feeders, gates, and the farm house , perhaps in a tree looking down

the thief(s) will be back b/c they're creatures of habit

[hoghunter69]

that the whole problem to many chances, just put a lock on the gate and a no trespassing sign, no one on the property except your family, kindness is often taken for weakness, break the cycle, prosecute anyone trespassing