The Farmers Mart Dec-Jan 2019 - Issue 60 | Page 20

20 FARM SECURITY
DEC/JAN 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk
RURAL
SECURITY
According to the latest NFU
Mutual survey, rural crime
cost the UK nearly £45million
in 2017, an increase of some
13% over 2016’s figures. One
of the main reasons for this is
that thieves are increasingly
targeting rural properties, as
the levels of security in urban
areas increases. Added to
that, the larger properties and
fewer numbers of neighbours
means that thieves often have
the opportunity to scope out
rural targets in more depth and
operate without being disturbed.
THE most frequently
targeted items in rural areas
continue to be ATV/quad
bikes, tools, garden equip-
ment, 4x4s and machinery.
It is now more important
than ever that those in rural
environments ensure that
their buildings and belong-
ings are safe and secure.
The survey reports that
some farmers are even
resorting to medieval
tactics by digging ditches
and erecting earth banks to
keep unwanted visitors out
and valuable equipment on
site. Whilst prevention is
definitely better than cure,
Burg-Wächter offers some
simpler but effective secu-
rity tips to help farmers and
rural dwellers protect their
property.
Visible security measures
are the most effective, as
they discourage burglars
from attempting to steal
anything and warn them
that there are likely to be
further unseen security
measures in place. How-
ever, thieves know the
difference between good
quality security measures
and those that are mainly
for show. Padlocks should
have hardened shackles,
and should be attached to
properly installed ground/
wall anchors or hasps and
staples. Security cables are
stronger if they have a thick
braided steel core, whilst
hardened steel chains are
tougher and more resist-
ant to cutting. Standalone
alarms and additional
lighting are a great way to
bring unwanted attention to
burglars, whilst a post box
at the end of the drive limits
the number of people who
need to enter the grounds.
CCTV systems are one of
the most common meas-
ures being installed, both
acting as a visual deterrent
and gathering vital evi-
dence. A properly installed
certified safe acts as the last
line of defence for valuables
and important documents.
Top Ten Rural Security Tips
1. Farm &
commercial tools
If ladders are kept on the property,
they are a target for burglars who can
then use them to help gain access to
the property. Wherever the ladder is
stored, it should be securely locked.
Equipment such as power tools, expen-
sive garden equipment and chainsaws
can be locked together using hardened
steel chains or security cables making
them very difficult to remove.
2. ATV / Quad Bikes
Some £2.3m worth of ATV/quads were stolen in 2017. If kept
outside, secure to a ground or wall anchor that is set into a
solid surface. Sterling offers bolt cutter and hacksaw resistant
security chains, in a variety of lengths, to provide the reach
necessary to padlock the vehicle. Padlocks and chains rated
as “Sold Secure” provide higher levels of security.
3. Grounds &
outbuildings
The sheer size of rural properties and
busy, long working days means rural
landowners can’t be everywhere at
once. However, correctly positioned
CCTV cameras provide a strong visual
deterrent to thieves as well as a good
view of the property. Wi-Fi based
systems are easy to install in the
farmyard, whilst professional wired
IP or coax systems are more suited to
larger estates. The latest systems also
offer remote access and can be pro-
grammed to trigger alerts on a mobile
phone - meaning your eyes can be
on your property, even if you’re not.