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The theft of livestock, machinery and equipment has long since been the blight of farmers. But with farms often sprawled across vast, open areas, protecting against farm theft can be easier said than done.
At the time of writing, farm theft is significantly on the rise. Recent years have seen increases in the value of commodities such as oil and metal, and these rises appear to be driving the farm theft resurgence.
Animals too can be lucrative items, and just like a tractor or 4x4 left parked in a field, their portability makes them vulnerable.
To crack down on farm theft, consider implementing some of the following tactics:
Securing hundreds of acres can be exceptionally difficult – but CCTV installations will at least allow you to keep an eye on several key places at once.
It can serve as a deterrent to would-be thieves, or in the event of theft, provide important evidence.
Of course, CCTV also helps you watch over your animals – installing cameras in barns or yards may prove particularly useful at busy times of year (lambing season for example).
Originating in Norfolk in the 1980’s, Farmwatch now has members across many counties. The scheme works on the same principle as Neighbourhood Watch – with farmers from the same community looking out for each other by reporting suspicious activity, people or vehicles to the group.
The organisation also offers practical advice on protecting against farm theft, as well as a platform on which to appeal for stolen or lost items.
Visit www.farmwatchltd.co.uk for more details.
Make sure the hedgerows and fences that surround your farm are always well maintained to help prevent thieves getting in and out. Ditches around the outside of your hedgerows will also make life more difficult for criminals.
When not being used, make sure cattle grids are removed.
Clearly identifying your property and machinery helps protect against farm theft by making items less saleable and easier to recover.
Metal engravers will help you mark machinery and large agricultural tools, while indelible markers can be used on smaller items.
Where possible, store your machinery in secure buildings – certainly don’t leave them out in the fields, especially if your land is in the view of passing traffic.
Farm insurance policies allow you to cover your vehicles, machinery and animals – the things on which you depend to make a living - against farm theft.
NFU Mutual also offers a range of specific insurance policies tailored for the farming community, such as tractor insurance, horse insurance and estates insurance.
Note* For security and training purposes calls may
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We understand that no two horses are alike - which is why our horse insurance policy can be as individual as your horse.
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