Rural Crime Action Week

Rural Crime Action Week

Unfortunately, rural crime remains a significant issue for many communities. It is organised and recurring, and the effects on farmers, businesses, and local rural populations should not be overlooked.

Being vehicle vigilant
Take additional precautions to safeguard all vehicles. Many rural properties contain 4x4s, quads, forklifts, trucks, tractors, and horse boxes, which are often targets for thieves due to their high resale value. To ensure security, always remove the keys from vehicles-be it a car, quad, or tractor-when they are not in use. Ideally, at the end of the day, store the keys in a secure location, such as a locked security box.
Avoid parking vehicles in easily visible areas. Whenever possible, keep them in a lockable garage or building, preferably equipped with perimeter security lighting. Gangs frequently target high-value equipment by surveying farms and rural properties during the day and returning at night to steal or clone items. Installing trackers is an excellent precaution if anything goes missing; however, also consider adding visual deterrents like steering wheel locks and wheel clamps.
Quad and ATV theft is on the rise. Their ease of transport and lack of registration plates complicate identification once stolen. To deter potential theft, install trackers and chains to secure them. Additionally, take photographs and document the makes and models of all your equipment and vehicles to assist the police in their investigations and support insurance claims in the unfortunate event of theft.

In 2023 one in 10 trailers checked was stolen. Again, record all details of your trailer, take photos and fit wheel clamps, hitch locks and a TR55 Tracker. Anything that obstructs a thief and prevents them from easily accessing what they want, can put them off committing the crime in the first place!

Safeguarding Your Estate and Buildings
Just like any other home, farmhouses and rural properties require solid security measures. However, if you own a rural residence, you may have multiple structures on your land that could go unvisited for weeks. Given their secluded nature, enhancing security is essential, particularly for areas that house valuable items.
One of the simplest precautions is to maintain a tidy yard, free from tools and machinery. If your property appears organised and features a visible security system, it will likely deter potential thieves from attempting a break-in.

• Carry out regular checks on boundaries making sure they are well-maintained and secure
• Keep all doors and windows shut and locked when not in use
• Install a visible burglar alarm in all buildings
• Invest in good Security lighting
• Ensure windows & doors are secure
• Fit strong locks to sheds, garages, outbuildings and skips
• Maintain security equipment regularly to ensure it works correctly
• Use security posts or temporary obstructions to control wide access points to yards

Ensure the Safety of Tools and Equipment Due to an increase in theft of smaller, portable items like tractor GPS systems and power tools-including chainsaws, jet washers, and welders-it's essential to store them in a secure building or container.

• Install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept
• Always lock vehicles and use tool locks to secure high value tools
• Keep expensive items out of sight when not in use
• Consider using hitch locks, wheel clamps or chains & ground anchors
• Keep a record of all valuable items and take photographs
• Fit outside security lights
• Fit strong door locks to sheds, garages and outbuildings
• If you use a storage container add a container lock

Focus on Fuel Security
Fuel theft has increased by 77% in just one year. Thieves often target farms and rural residences during the night, where, without proper protection, they can quickly drain fuel tanks within minutes. They use a range of tools, from simple plastic tubes to more sophisticated pumping devices, leading to both financial losses and significant inconvenience for the owners.
Regardless of whether fuel is stored in a fixed tank or in a vehicle, there remains a risk of theft.

• Equip fuel bowsers with wheel clamps or hitch locks.
• Secure heating oil tanks with a dedicated fuel tank lock.
• Consider installing motion-activated security lighting around tank areas.
• If vehicles or machinery are parked outdoors, position them with fuel caps facing a fence or wall for added security.

Secure Your Gates
Taking care of your gates is an essential task that can often be neglected. Even if they're not frequently used, ensure they are properly maintained and secured with a high-quality padlock and chain. A rusty lock can be easily compromised, signalling to potential thieves that your property may not be well-protected or cared for. Additionally, make sure the hinges on your gates are capped or inverted to hinder easy removal.
Limit access to your property with locked gates and security posts.
The fewer entry points, the better!

Be Boundary conscious
Take a good look around your property boundary for any potential places where it could be made more secure.

• Plant thorny hedging. This will deter but also collect vital evidence if crossed by a thief.
• Dig deep perimeter ditches to stop unwanted vehicle access
• Restrict access to your property with locked gates and security posts
• Invert and cap gate hinges
• Make sure fixing bolts are secure and use covered padlocks
• Install warning signs
• Consider installing a visible CCTV system

Deterrence Through Alarms & Lighting
Monitoring your property can be particularly difficult at night when thieves thrive in the shadows. They prefer to remain unseen, making it crucial to enhance your security measures.
Consider installing motion-activated security lights that illuminate whenever they detect movement. This not only alerts you but also serves as a strong deterrent.
Position your lights in high-risk areas:

• Along your home's driveway.
• Surrounding barns, outbuildings, sheds, and garages.
• In both the front and back of your property.

As well as motion-sensor security lighting, CCTV cameras and Alarms are great for crime prevention. Install in access locations, vulnerable areas and around the perimeter.
Don't forget to place signs around the perimeter warning thieves that your property is protected. Visible deterrents like this are great for warning would-be intruders that your property is going to be more trouble than it's worth!