Diesel Fuel Theft Reports in South Dakota
Approximately 120 gallons of diesel fuel were siphoned from a tractor parked on the edge of a field in Brookings County, South Dakota. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office received a report on the morning of October 11, 2026. They advise farmers to notify dispatch of their machinery locations to incorporate them into routine patrols.
Similarly, the Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office in De Smet, South Dakota, has been receiving reports of diesel fuel thefts in their area, approximately 40 miles away. They encourage community members to "keep an eye out for their neighbors" and report any suspicious activity.
The Kingsbury County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips for protecting fuel on farms:
- Lock tanks and pumps when not in use.
- Secure equipment and fuel storage areas.
- Consider security cameras or motion-activated lighting.
- Be alert for suspicious vehicles or individuals around farmyards, especially at night.
- Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Anyone with information about the Brookings incident can contact the sheriff's office at 605-696-8300 or submit an anonymous tip via Brookings Area Crimestoppers.
Tags: AGRICULTURE, CROPS, CRIME AND COURTS
By: Ariana Schumacher