With this week being National Rural Crime Action Week Farmers H&H Insurance Brokers is reminding growers of the need to take extra steps to avoid becoming the latest target for rural crime.
Associate director, Amanda Wallbank says putting measures in place to deter would-be thieves would help keep farms and rural properties safer from intruders. “As the clocks go back and the long, dark evenings draw in, many people living in isolated, rural locations can often feel more vulnerable during the winter months.
“A good first step is to view your property from the perspective of a potential criminal. What can they see from the roadside? Are gates generally open or shut? Are there any CCTV cameras in operation? Criminals may scope out a property during daytime and come back after dark to commit the crime.”
Amanda suggests security measures such as locking equipment away in a secure building when not in use; investing in a secure storage toolbox; and always locking vehicles and removing the keys. She also advises people to mark tools and equipment and register them, keeping a record of all valuable items, and to install CCTV and security lights.
“Quad bikes and small plant tools unfortunately remain a top target for thieves so it’s worth fitting a tracker or tagging system to your equipment, as well as keeping it locked away when not in use,” said Amanda. “Putting up signage to make potential criminals aware of the additional security measures is another useful deterrent.”
Amanda, has been an active member of her local Farm Watch scheme in the Eden Valley in Cumbria for several years.
“Community initiatives such as Farm Watch play a vital role in the fight against rural crime through prevention, education and providing an early warning system for any suspicious activity in the area. Whether it’s sharing practical crime prevention measures or reporting suspicious activity via WhatsApp groups, they show the value in working together as a community to help tackle thefts from farms and make the countryside a safer place for people to live and work.
“If you do see any suspicious activity or are the victim of rural crime, then always report it to the police.”
