Sayre, OK — Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning says his office is investigating a recent burglary at a farm just outside Sayre, where intruders forced entry into a barn and an outbuilding and took equipment. Manning said the location had been hit before and that investigators have identified suspects and are working to gather enough evidence for potential arrests.

“They broke into a barn and outbuilding there and got some equipment things out of the barn,” Manning said. “We do have suspects in that burglary, and we’re working on that case right now.”

Manning emphasized that many property crimes are crimes of opportunity. “Make sure things are locked up,” he said. “A lot of times these guys are thieves of opportunity. They are looking for the easiest opportunities, quick in and out, no noise, and no one seeing them.”

He noted that visible effort to secure buildings often causes offenders to move on. “If a place is locked, it’s going to get bypassed a little more often than the ones where they can pull the door open or defeat a flimsy lock,” Manning said.

Prevention tips from Sheriff Manning:

• Lock barns, shops, sheds, and vehicles. Use sturdy locks.

• Reduce “easy target” signs (unlocked doors, weak hasps, clutter that hides offenders).

• Add game cameras on rural property. Modern units can send phone alerts.

• If you suspect tampering or have a repeat-hit location, the Sheriff’s Office can place cameras to gather evidence.

• Report suspicious activity promptly.

“Game cameras are cheap and easy to set up,” Manning said. “Many will notify your phone when somebody shows up on them.” He added that solving one burglary often leads to clearing several related crimes.

Anyone with information about the Sayre-area case, or who needs help with crime-prevention options like camera placement, is asked to contact the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office.

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