(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of items from several farmers vehicles while they were harvesting crops.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies were dispatched Tuesday afternoon to the vicinity of 240th and Nighthawk Roads to take the theft report.

Three vehicles parked in the area had items stolen from them--including firearms, tools, and cash--with the total loss placed at nearly $7,000.

Merchant said the thefts occurred while the farmers were combining crops in an area of the field where their vehicles were not in their immediate view, near the roadway.

An older, light colored Jeep Liberty type vehicle was reported in the area around the time of the crime, which is believed to have been between 2 and 3 Tuesday afternoon.

Merchant said surrounding counties have reported similar incidents, as well as home invasions during daylight hours recently.

"It saddens me a great deal that these types of crimes occur on private property during daylight hours. It seems as though these criminals have very little fear of legal consequences as many are repeat offenders."

Merchant wants to end these " crimes of opportunity" and is recommending residents take the necessary precautions to secure their  homes and property.

He is encouraging residents to take their keys when working in the fields, and lock their doors if they are going to be out of sight of their vehicles or equipment.  

Merchant is also urging residents to take the keys from their ATV's and UTV's, which are highly sought after by thieves.