Farm security is once again, high on the agenda as we have seen many reports in the national news about increasing criminal activity on farms over the past year and a half, from fly-tipping to ATV and GPS system theft. Just this week, the BBC have reported on the latest issue – gangs using e-scooters, that can now be hired in a number of towns and cities across the country, to target farmyards in order to steal GPS equipment.
Here, we outline just some of the things you can do to increase your farm security and keep equipment secure.
Farm Security: 6 tips for keeping your farm secure
Lighting – this can provide multiple benefits. Having good lighting in and around your outbuildings, barns and surrounding areas can help you to see any unwanted visitors and can often help to deter thieves; motion-sensored lighting can be a particularly good deterrent for fly-tippers and livestock and machinery thieves, drawing attention to them. Lower-level security lighting can be more cost-effective compared to using the same lighting as you would when working; it’s important to consider what will work for you long term.
Alarms – these can help to keep buildings and machinery secure by informing you of any thieves, allowing you to contact the police, as well as deterring them in the first place. There are many different types of alarms available so it’s important to consider what would work best for your specific requirements. There are bells-only options, dialler alarms and systems which are monitored – these help to ensure a response from the necessary authorities who can assist. You can also choose from motion-sensored alarms, glass-break detectors, infrared, and the like; take the time to consider what will be most suitable.
Boundaries – one of the reasons farms are targeted is because of their open boundaries – thieves consider them an easier target. It’s worth considering whether you should put in additional boundaries whether it be fences, high gates or thick hedging. It is also important to check boundaries regularly, such as walls, fences and gates, to ensure they are secure and robust. Functional boundaries should improve your farm perimeter security, reducing the likelihood of thieves or fly-tippers getting onto your land or into your property.
Restricted access – you should restrict access to your property and land to only those you are happy to have there by investing in good quality locks and barriers. Naturally, the fewer access points for unwanted visitors, the better. If you are using padlocks, consider also using covers to them to prevent them from being cut through.
CCTV – this can be used to cover vulnerable areas of your property or access points. CCTV can be helpful in providing retrospective evidence of a crime, which may be able to be used to locate any stolen equipment or livestock. However, monitored CCTV can draw attention to activity before a crime has actually taken place and can help prevent crimes by you being able to notify the police. CCTV systems can also help to deter thieves, due to their very presence, or if they have an audio warning system, for example, informing thieves that you are aware they are there. In addition, signs that state you have CCTV and alarm systems in place can act as a deterrent in themselves, particularly if they are placed near public roads or the perimeters of your land.
Vehicles – make sure you immobilise or secure plant, trailers and machinery when not in use and, where possible, ensure they are removed from fields overnight and stored in a secure building. Vehicles should also be marked with a unique serial number kit – engraving these numbers into the bodywork or windows of machinery makes it harder for thieves to remove them. Having photos and logs of your machinery and their serial numbers also provides important evidence for the authorities should you find yourself a victim of theft, helping you to recover them. We offer more specific advice around protecting ATVs and GPS systems.
How McClarrons can help protect you with farm insurance
At McClarrons, it is our job to ensure you have the right farm insurance in place should the worst happen. With over 30 years’ experience working in the agricultural sector, we can arrange bespoke farm insurance for your specific activities, property and priorities.
For a free review of your current farm insurances, please contact our dedicated Rural Insurance Team on 01653 609152 or at farm@mcclarroninsurance.com.
Other specialist support
We highly recommend using a specialist risk management company, such as our partners – Safety Revolution – to review your farm security and procedures.
Safety Revolution’s MeritAgCheck is an innovative app for recording vehicle and equipment checks. It can help you with recording your vehicle machinery ownership and use, logging all pertinent details and helping you keep records up to date. It is free, available to anyone, and downloadable from the App Store and Play Store. Learn more about the app, here.
