Rural communities suffer from similar crime
problems to those of urban areas, such as car crime,
burglary, drug and alcohol problems and anti-social behaviour. They
also have their own unique crime problems. These
include:
- The theft of expensive farm equipment, animals and diesel
- Flytipping
- Trespassing and criminal damage to crops and fields
- Wildlife crime (link to wildlife section)
How to keep your equipment and livestock safe
Trailers and horseboxes
Farm vehicles and trailers are targets for
thieves and are usually left unsecured or
in remote locations. Try to park all vehicles as close to
your house as possible, preferably out of sight from
nearby roads.
Consider installing a security light near to
where you park your vehicles to deter thieves.
Wheel clamps can be used to prevent trailers,
horseboxes and other vehicles being driven away by thieves.
Security driveway posts or
bollards can also be installed to provide
additional security for vehicles.
There are several trailer-marking schemes,
which use either your postcode or a unique number that is entered
onto a database. Write down any chassis or serial numbers for
trailers and towing equipment. Consider installing an
alarm on trailers and horseboxes which are
activated when they are moved.
If you have a lot of equipment parked on site, install a basic
CCTV
system with
warning signs to deter thieves.
Place a concrete slab or something heavy across entrances
without gates and lock all gates when not in use. This makes it
harder for vehicles to be stolen.
Machinery and tools
Secure vehicles and equipment when not in use and remove keys
from cars, tractors and other vehicles that are unattended.
Never leave keys in the ignition or in close
proximity to a vehicle.
Avoid leaving machinery in secluded areas or fields. Noticeably
mark all of your machinery with your postcode and house/farm name.
This not only acts as deterrent to thieves, but also helps return
stolen property if it is then recovered. Write an
inventory of tools, together with serial numbers, a photo
and any identifying marks.
Always keep tools locked away when they are not
in use. As well as being taken away, they could be used to gain
access to secured premises.
Never leave ladders lying around near to your
house or buildings because they only make it easier for thieves to
gain access.
Fit alarms and security lights
that can alert you to an intruder to outbuildings that contain
equipment.
Livestock
Livestock is a valuable asset to all farmers and because of this
they are often targeted by thieves. There are
precautions you can take to avoid being a victim
of such crime:
- Check the security of perimeter fencing or
hedging. Keep it well maintained.
- Do regular checks on livestock; keep a journal
of all your livestock and their location.
- Ear-tag or horn-brand and
tattoo are ways to mark your postcode on
livestock.
- Take a photo of all animals and make notes of
distinctive markings.
- Be vigilant and always lock gates containing
livestock.
- Keep valuable livestock close to the farm.
- Share information with other farmers and the police if you have
seen anything suspicious. See our Rural
Watch scheme.