For farmers in Suffolk, as in any other rural area, security is a top priority. Not only is it essential for protecting your livelihood but also for safeguarding the welfare of your livestock, the equipment you rely on, as well as your home.
Due to their rural location, farms and agricultural buildings are not always easy to secure, and other factors such as poor internet connectivity, lone working, and vast site areas can make it difficult to patrol. Abbey Security Services works with many farm and rural businesses across Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, and in this article, we explore some of the biggest threats faced by the farming community and how to address them.
Common threats to farm security
Farms located in rural areas are vulnerable to various security threats and one of the most prevalent risks is theft. Isolated locations make it easier for criminals to go unnoticed, increasing the likelihood of theft of equipment, livestock and even crops. Farms are often targeted for their valuable machinery and tools. Unsecured buildings, such as barns and storage units, offer easy access for criminals to steal or vandalise property.
Vehicle & Machinery Theft
Plant and agricultural machinery theft is estimated to cost £1 million every week for construction and agricultural businesses and their insurers. The theft of agricultural machinery is a common concern for farmers in Suffolk. With organised criminal networks working across the country and international demand from overseas buyers and exporters, tractors and other vehicles are highly attractive to thieves.
4-wheel drive vehicles, such as Land Rovers, are also highly sought after, as are quad bikes and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). Often with no registration plates they are difficult to trace but easy for criminals to transport.
Fuel Theft
With the rising cost of fuel over recent years, fuel theft has affected many businesses and individuals including the agricultural sector. Suffolk farmers are all too aware of the threat of fuel theft and if your tank is unprotected, thieves can drain your fuel and your finances in no time.
Suitable lighting with PIR detectors can help to protect your fuel tanks and installing a remotely monitored CCTV system is an effective way to deter thieves from attempting to steal your fuel.
Trespassing
Intruders may enter your property with malicious intent, posing a risk not only to your assets but also to the safety of your animals. Trespassers can cause damage to your property, machinery, or even harm your livestock.
Arson
The risk of arson is also a concern for farmers with buildings and straw stacks both being a target. It is important to protect your boundaries to reduce the risk of attack and ensure rubbish is safely disposed of. Store petrol and diesel in securely locked areas and remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting and keep away from vehicles.
There are several steps you can take to proactively protect your farm and your livelihood.
- Check your boundaries, repair any broken fences, and secure gates with padlocks
- Store machinery and tools in locked buildings or secure storage units when not in use
- Locate fuel tanks close to property where they are more visible but make them less accessible with walls, fences, or hedges
- Mark your equipment and livestock with unique identifiers to increase the chances of recovery. Consider using GPS tracking devices on high-value equipment.
- Install adequate lighting and motion detectors to eliminate hiding spots
- Install video surveillance cameras to monitor livestock in barns and sheds. CCTV cameras can also be used to protect valuable machinery, equipment, and fuel.
- Install an alarm system and employ a professional security alarm response service. Abbey Security can help you with this.
- Sign up to CESAR, an agricultural equipment registration scheme, which increases the chance of recovering stolen goods by helping police identify stolen machinery
- Remove GPS systems from tractors and combines at the end of the day and store them securely when not in use.
- Activate PIN security on your GPS systems using a unique number where possible.
- Have regular security patrols during business downtime and hours of darkness. Abbey Security can help you with this service.
Abbey Security provide CCTV monitoring, keyholding, Mobile patrols and alarm response services throughout Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. For a bespoke solution to meet your farm security needs, call our team today on 01284 768832.
Posted on February 22, 2024