What are some solutions for keeping things like wells/pumps, heavy equipment, gear and lodgings secure? We just bought an 11 acre tract on a larger ranch that's being divided up, and it's very undeveloped at this time. I expect eventually there'll be plenty of activity there on all the different "ranchettes", but in the meantime I want to get started with a well and some improvements... I just don't want to be targeted for theft because it'll be the first place with any "stuff" on it.

I know "where there's a will, there's a way" when it comes to thieves, but I'd like to strike a balance between economy and deterrence... The pump will be the first thing, do I need to build a pumphouse out of armor plate, or what?

Thanks for the input, guys!

Cross 'ur fingers & say a prayer!

I have properties in Canada, 2 in minnesota, & 3 here in texas. Needless to say, they are all "Ripe for the Pickings" if any thieves wanted in. Reguardless, if thieves wanted in there isn't a whole lot a vacant landowner can do except hide, put away everything, & lock-up the best you can. If they want in they'll break in!! By keeping a clean yard & camp the temptation isn't at least, in eyesight. I have been fortunate, and haven't been targeted as of yet. But I have come to the realization that it could happen at any time. My best advice is-- Keep on SUPER good relations with the neighbors. They will then look out for you 100%. Keep a little insurance on your more pricey items, post the property with fence/gate. I also whisper a quick prayer to the Big Guy upstairs whenever I leave one of my places.

I hope your not talking around San Diego ?

Well, not far from San Diego, between Alice and George West. Why do you hope not?

As you know, some of the trucks look like armored vehicles in the Corpus area, so keeping things tied down all year in the isolated county is hard.

Anyone else know why I wouldn't want property near SD? I'm not closed yet, so if there's a super compelling reason I'm not aware of I'm all ears!

Don't know about this day & age ,but that area used to have major problems with poaching etc.

I leased out there for two years and had 3 blinds,2 feeders and several game cams stolen. This was on cr 104 if I remember correctly. Also a lot of poachers and people claiming that they did not know that they were on private property all though you had to go thru 2 locked gates to get on the lease. If you like pigs and don't mind your stuff stolen buy. I would head further north

I have zero experience in the area, but have read countless internet horror stories about that area. Poaching, trespassing and stealing.

Jim Wells county... My good friend had 4 old tires stolen, window unit, battery and water hoses stolen off same camper. Then next year it was his atv while he went to Corpus to have dinner with his wife on a Sunday evening.. Had the key with him and ATV was hidden in a the brush. He thinks they made rounds on Sunday evenings looking for stuff to take

Hmmm, damn... This is Live Oak, closer to George West than Beeville, off 281. I wonder if that gets us out there far enough?

Around Geroge West you should be ok

I dunno about that. I have some friends that have lived there for a very long time. They just recently moved to Corpus to get their girls out of the GW schools and away from all of the thievery/lawlessness of the area.

They run a very successful oil field supply company there otherwise they'd never go back.

The San Diego area has long been known for it's troubles. I'd do a lot of research before pulling the trigger on anything close to there.

I can watch and take care of the texas properties for you