Why Farm Security Is No Longer Optional
The need for effective farm security has never been more urgent. Once considered low risk due to their remote locations, farms are now a primary target for increasingly organised and well-equipped criminals. Gone are the days of casual trespassers or small-time thefts, today’s farm crime involves sophisticated planning, cross-border operations, and repeat targeting of vulnerable rural properties.
According to NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report, the cost of rural crime in the UK soared to £49.5 million in 2022, marking a 22% increase from the previous year. The real cost, however, goes beyond insurance claims. Farmers face significant disruptions to operations, personal safety concerns, rising insurance premiums, and even the emotional toll of being repeatedly targeted.
Modern rural criminals don’t just stumble upon targets; they identify them deliberately. They may:
- Use drones or satellite imagery to survey the layout of your land.
- Strike when they know you’ll be at market, asleep, or away.
- Use cloned number plates, stolen trailers, and burner phones to cover their tracks.
- Return again and again once they’ve confirmed your farm is under-secured.
In many cases, the same gangs will strike multiple farms in a single night, sometimes spanning county borders. Without proactive rural crime prevention measures, your property could easily become part of their hit list.
Read our article: National Rural Crime Networks are Organised, Cross-Border, and Growing
Understanding the most common forms of rural crime is essential when designing an effective farm security strategy. Criminals target everything from high-value machinery to livestock, fuel, and even personal data, making it vital to build a multi-layered security approach that protects all aspects of your farm.
Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent threats UK farmers face today.
Top Farm Security Threats in the UK
| Type of Farm Crime | What’s Targeted | How Criminals Operate | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machinery Theft | Tractors, ATVs, GPS units | Stolen to order, loaded onto lorries or trailers, exported abroad | £Millions in losses, insurance complications |
| Fuel Theft | Red diesel, kerosene, petrol | Siphoned at night, tanks breached or emptied using pumps | Business disruption, environmental risk |
| Livestock Theft | Sheep, cattle, pigs | Often untagged, loaded into trailers during the night | Untraceable resale, long-term stock damage |
| Fly Tipping | Industrial or domestic waste | Accessed via unsecured fields or tracks | Costly cleanup, legal responsibility |
| Metal Theft | Gates, cabling, roofing sheets | Sold as scrap, easy to remove | Operational delays, repairs, fencing issues |
| Vandalism | Buildings, crops, fences | Often by local troublemakers or disgruntled individuals | Repairs, reputational damage |
| Cybercrime & Fraud | Invoices, supplier scams | Sophisticated email/phishing scams | Financial loss, identity theft |
| Trespassing & Poaching | Land, wildlife | Gangs use dogs, quad bikes, and night vision | Wildlife loss, animal stress, fence damage |
Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) are increasingly targeting farms for one key reason: low perceived risk. Inadequate lighting, poor surveillance, and isolated locations make farms attractive and accessible to thieves who know what they’re looking for.
They are typically:
- Operating across county lines to avoid detection
- Using high-tech tools like drones, GPS jammers, and cloned vehicles
- Conducting “test runs” before a main theft
- Using violence or intimidation when challenged
📢 Stat Spotlight: The National Rural Crime Network has noted a rise in cross-border rural crime driven by gangs using fast rural road networks to avoid police patrols.
🧠 Key Takeaways for Farm Security Planning
- Don’t just focus on one area — farm crime is diverse and multi-faceted
- Farm theft isn’t random; it’s often carefully planned
- Investing in security prevents loss and deters return visits
- Effective security systems should cover buildings, vehicles, livestock, access roads, and even digital threats
Read our article: Rural crime in Wales hits 10 year high
How Criminals Operate in Rural Areas (and What Farm Security Needs to Defend Against)
Rural crime isn’t just about chance. Modern-day farm criminals are strategic, mobile, and highly organised, often targeting farms with military-like precision. To build an effective farm security plan, it’s crucial to understand how rural criminals think and operate, and how your farm might be perceived through their eyes.
🎯 Why Farms Are Prime Targets
To a criminal, a typical farm offers:
- High-value items (tractors, quad bikes, diesel, livestock)
- Minimal security infrastructure compared to urban sites
- Long response times from emergency services
- Remote locations with little or no CCTV coverage
Add in unmarked boundaries, poor lighting, and no community surveillance, and your property may seem like the perfect opportunity.
“Farm security isn’t just about protecting what’s visible, it’s about protecting what criminals have already scoped out.”
🕵️♂️ Tactics Used by Criminals in Rural Areas
Criminals are becoming more advanced in both technology and method. Here’s how they typically operate:
📡 1. Surveillance and Reconnaissance
- Use of drones to survey land layout, blind spots, and escape routes
- Monitoring farm activity via Google Maps, social media, or public farm event listings
- “Test visits” during the day posing as contractors or buyers
🛻 2. Night-Time Strikes
- Most farm crimes happen between 11pm and 4am
- Criminals wear dark clothing, operate without lights, and know farm dog locations
- They often strike during harvest or market days when they know the farmer is busy or away
🚜 3. Use of Cloned Vehicles & Stolen Trailers
- Arrival in 4x4s or vans with cloned number plates
- Stolen or rented trailers used to quickly remove livestock, machinery, or diesel tanks
- Multiple entry/exit points exploited, often via poorly maintained boundary fencing
🔄 4. Repeat Visits
- If successful once, they often return within 7–10 days for more
- May escalate tactics: if diesel was stolen the first time, they may return for a quad or GPS unit
- Farms with no visible security upgrades post-theft are prime for re-targeting
⚠️ Signs Your Farm May Be Under Watch
Keep an eye out for the following:
| Suspicious Activity | Why It’s Concerning |
|---|---|
| Drones flying over fields | May indicate surveillance of asset locations |
| Unmarked vans loitering on lanes | Common for scouting and fast getaways |
| Gates left ajar or fence cuts | Sign of test entry points |
| New tyre tracks or footprints | May signal dry runs or previous intrusion |
| Strange individuals asking questions | Could be posing to gather information |
📞 Action Tip: Report these to your local police and Farm Watch group immediately, even if no crime has yet occurred.
🧠 What This Means for Farm Security Planning
Understanding these tactics helps build preventative measures that work in the real world, not just on paper. For example:
- Drones spying on your farm? Use signage and defensive planting to obscure views and alert authorities.
- Cloned vehicles used in raids? Invest in ANPR-compatible cameras to track and identify plates.
- Targeted overnight? Install remote-alert CCTV systems that notify you and your security provider in real time.
- Multiple blind spots? A Tower Guard unit provides 360° protection of larger sites with minimal manpower.
Read our article: Why farm security must evolve.
Tower Guard CCTV Solutions
The Tower Guard is the smartest way to protect your site 24/7. Without the need for expensive infrastructure such as Power, Broadband and Lighting. With Tower Guards smart charging system the tower can run autonomously for up to 6 weeks.
Building a Farm Security Plan (Using Practical Steps and the NRCN 10-Point Strategy)
When it comes to protecting your livelihood, guesswork isn’t enough. An effective farm security plan should be proactive, layered, and tailored to your land, assets, and risks. Whether you’re safeguarding tractors worth £80,000, a diesel tank, or a flock of rare-breed sheep, the principles remain the same: secure, deter, detect, and respond.
Fortunately, you don’t have to start from scratch. The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN), a leading voice in rural crime prevention, has created a 10-point plan to help farmers and landowners reduce their risk.
We’ve combined their guidance with our own practical experience to give you a full strategy that works in the real world.
Step-by-Step Farm Security Plan
| Step | What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conduct a Full Farm Audit | Exposes weak spots that criminals may already know about |
| 2 | Create a Security Map | Helps prioritise resources and place the right security in the right locations |
| 3 | Install Perimeter Defences | Stops opportunists and slows down planned theft |
| 4 | Add Smart Surveillance | Deters crime, aids police with evidence, and provides real-time alerts |
| 5 | Upgrade Lighting | Prevents concealment and surprises — makes intruders feel exposed |
| 6 | Secure Buildings | Protects expensive items and slows down intrusion attempts |
| 7 | Tag & Track High-Value Assets | Traceability reduces resale value and aids recovery |
| 8 | Implement Access Control | Prevents insider theft and builds accountability |
| 9 | Work with Neighbours & Networks | Builds rural resilience and early warning networks |
| 10 | Use a Security Provider Where Needed | Complements your measures with professional 24/7 support |
Insight from the National Rural Crime Network 10-Point Plan
The National Rural Crime Network has campaigned nationally for better understanding of rural threats. Their 10-point framework includes:
- Understand what matters to rural communities
- Recognise rural crime as serious crime
- Create dedicated rural policing strategies
- Improve intelligence sharing between forces
- Support victims who often feel forgotten
- Invest in rural community resilience
- Track organised crime in the countryside
- Improve data collection and rural crime reporting
- Empower local partnerships
- Make rural crime prevention a policy priority
You can adopt the same mindset by treating your farm as a security zone, not just a business — with the same layered strategy used by commercial facilities.
🔗 Helpful resource: Visit the NRCN website and download their full rural crime report to see what’s happening in your region and what tools are available. https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/resources/
Tower guard CCTV Solutions
The Tower Guard is the smartest way to protect your site 24/7. Without the need for expensive infrastructure such as Power, Broadband and Lighting. With Tower Guards smart charging system the tower can run autonomously for up to 6 weeks.
Quick Farm Security Checklist
Here’s a rapid-fire checklist to assess your current level of protection:
- Do you know your farm’s entry/exit points?
- Are all gates and fences in good repair and locked?
- Do you have working CCTV covering key areas?
- Are your barns and stores alarmed?
- Do you use GPS or asset marking systems?
- Are fuel tanks locked and monitored?
- Do you keep a log of staff, contractors, and visitors?
- Have you joined your local Farm Watch scheme?
- Do you report all suspicious activity to police?
- Do you have a clear plan for what to do in the event of a theft?
If you’ve ticked fewer than 7 out of 10, now is the time to build or strengthen your farm security system.
Remember:
“Security on farms isn’t just about stopping crime, it’s about protecting your way of life, your business continuity, and your peace of mind.”
Security Technology – What Works on UK Farms
Modern criminals are tech-savvy, and farm security technology needs to keep pace. From GPS jammers to drone surveillance, criminals are using sophisticated tools to exploit weaknesses on rural properties. The good news? Farmers now have access to powerful, cost-effective tech that can transform their security setup and protect every corner of the farm.
Whether you run a smallholding or a large commercial operation, investing in the right security technology can deter criminals, reduce risk, and provide crucial evidence if an incident does occur.
Top Farm Security Technologies (And Where They Work Best)
| Technology | Ideal Use | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Smart CCTV Systems | Entrances, machinery sheds, fuel stores | Motion detection, remote viewing, alerts to mobile devices |
| Tower Guard Units | Large open sites, machinery yards, isolated barns | 360° live monitoring, speaker system, connects to control rooms |
| ANPR Cameras | Farm drives, gates, shared lanes | Logs every vehicle plate that enters your land |
| Asset GPS Trackers | Tractors, quads, trailers, livestock trailers | Real-time location, recovery, alerts on movement |
| Forensic Marking (e.g. SmartWater) | Tools, spare parts, fuel tanks | Invisible marking traceable by police to prove ownership |
| Motion Sensors and PIR Alarms | Perimeters, paths, outbuildings | Trigger lights, sirens or alerts when movement is detected |
| Solar-Powered Floodlights | Yards, entrances, hard-to-reach areas | Eco-friendly, automatic, no mains wiring needed |
| Fuel Tank Alarms | Diesel, red diesel, heating oil | Detects unauthorised access or sudden drops in fuel level |
| Gate & Door Sensors | Machinery sheds, remote outbuildings | Instant notification if a door or gate is opened unexpectedly |
Smart CCTV: The Backbone of Farm Surveillance
Modern CCTV systems for farms are more than just cameras. Many now come with:
- Mobile apps for real-time viewing
- Two-way audio for confronting intruders
- Night vision and infrared capabilities
- Cloud storage and instant playback
- AI-powered motion detection (avoids false alerts from animals)
💡 Tip: Choose a CCTV system that uses 4G or Wi-Fi if your site has no phone line. Many farms are now using solar-powered units to avoid wiring altogether.
Tower Guard: High-Tech Protection for Remote Locations
One of the most powerful solutions for large or vulnerable farms is a Tower Guard unit, a mobile CCTV tower equipped with:
- 360° HD cameras
- Motion tracking and AI alerts
- Live audio warning system
- Solar power and backup battery
- Link to a 24/7 manned control room
Ideal for:
- Remote barns and isolated machinery yards
- Temporary protection during harvest or lambing
- Deterring repeat visits after a crime
🧠 Fact: One Tower Guard unit can cover the equivalent of 20+ static cameras and often qualifies for rural funding schemes.
Forensic Marking: Make Your Property ‘Too Hot to Handle’
Applying forensic traceable liquid (such as SmartWater or SelectaDNA) to your assets makes them:
- Traceable by police even years after theft
- Unappealing to buyers in black markets
- Provable as yours in a court of law
You can mark:
- Machinery
- Fuel tanks and drums
- Tools and spare parts
- Metal gates and roofing sheets
✅ Bonus: Many insurers now offer discounts on premiums if forensic marking is in place.
Low-Tech Enhancements That Still Work
Not all farm security solutions need to be high-tech. These simple upgrades offer serious value:
- Heavy-duty chains and ground anchors for securing quad bikes
- Double locks on doors — one visible, one hidden
- Defensive planting (e.g., hawthorn or blackthorn) under windows or along fences
- Dummy cameras to complement real systems and deter casual intruders
- Warning signage stating CCTV and GPS trackers are in use
How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Farm
When planning your tech-based farm security upgrades, consider:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How large is your land? | Larger farms may need mobile CCTV or sensor zones. |
| Where are your most vulnerable areas? | Helps prioritise tech deployment to where risk is highest. |
| Do you have internet or 4G signal on-site? | Determines if you can use cloud-connected devices or need standalone systems. |
| Do you lease or move equipment regularly? | GPS trackers are essential for mobile assets. |
| Is power available at your remote buildings? | Solar or battery-powered solutions may be best. |
🧠 Farm Security Insight: Combining low-tech deterrents with smart technology creates a layered defence that’s far more effective than relying on any one method alone.
Practical Tips for Everyday Farm Security
Not every security improvement needs to be high-tech or expensive. Sometimes, small daily habits make the biggest difference. Criminals look for farms that are poorly maintained, disorganised, or unobserved, so making a few simple changes to your daily routine can turn your farm from an easy target into a formidable obstacle.
Below are key areas where everyday vigilance can massively reduce your risk.
🚜 Machinery & Vehicles: Don’t Make It Easy
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Always remove keys from tractors, ATVs, and loaders | Prevents theft of opportunity – a leading cause of machinery loss |
| Lock vehicles inside buildings overnight | Adds another layer of delay and deterrent |
| Use steering locks, wheel clamps, or chain-and-anchor systems | Highly visible and time-consuming for thieves |
| Photograph every asset with make, model, VIN/serial numbers | Helps prove ownership and support recovery |
| Mark vehicles with forensic liquid and use visible stickers | Makes resale harder and scares off organised gangs |
🐑 Livestock: Protecting Your Livelihood
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Tag livestock with tamper-proof, traceable ID (e.g., EID or SmartTag) | Deters resale and helps with tracing |
| Keep fences well-maintained and regularly checked | Prevents easy removal and reduces chance of strays |
| Position livestock away from public roads or unsecured tracks overnight | Makes them less accessible to opportunists |
| Rotate grazing zones and vary routines | Makes planning a theft more difficult for observers |
👁️ Watch for signs like gates left open, fence damage, or tyre tracks near fields — they could signal attempted livestock theft or poaching.
🛢️ Fuel Security: Red Diesel Is Liquid Gold to Thieves
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Install locking caps, cages, or hard barriers around tanks | Makes siphoning slower and more visible |
| Use fuel tank alarms or smart level monitors | Detects sudden drops or tampering |
| Refill tanks during daylight hours only | Reduces visibility of quantity and routines |
| Keep a fuel usage log and check it regularly | Helps identify slow siphoning over time |
| Avoid advertising fuel deliveries publicly (e.g., via social media) | Prevents criminals planning ahead based on your schedule |
🔐 Outbuildings, Sheds & Stores
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Use anti-theft padlocks (e.g., with anti-cut shrouds) | Harder to break and resistant to bolt cutters |
| Fit internal locks and use layered barriers | Slows intruders down, giving time for response |
| Install door and window sensors in high-value areas | Sends alerts if triggered |
| Don’t leave tools or spares lying around | Loose items can be used to aid entry or theft |
| Keep sheds well lit with motion sensors | Deters approach and draws attention if breached |
👀 Human Behaviour: The Overlooked Security Factor
Sometimes the greatest security risk isn’t the equipment, it’s the routine.
| Habit | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| Letting unknown contractors onto site without ID | Always check ID, log names, and confirm their reason for being there |
| Leaving gates open for “just a moment” | Keep gates locked unless absolutely necessary — opportunists move fast |
| Not reporting suspicious activity because “it might be nothing” | Always report — even vague information can connect the dots for police |
| Sharing too much on social media (e.g., new tractor, being away at a show) | Keep personal and operational details private |
🧠 Mindset Tip: Think Like a Thief
Ask yourself:
- If I were going to steal something here, what would I take?
- How would I get in and out?
- What would stop me, or make me choose another farm?
When you begin thinking like a criminal, you start planning like a farm security expert.
💷 Farm Security Grants and Schemes (UK-Wide)
| Funding Scheme | What It Covers | Eligibility | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) | Security tech (e.g. CCTV, GPS trackers, alarms) | Most English farms, horticulture or forestry | Part of DEFRA’s productivity scheme – tech must be pre-approved |
| Farming Investment Fund (FIF) | Infrastructure upgrades including security | England-based farms, often larger projects | Can include lighting, fencing, access control |
| Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) | Indirect support for sustainability/security overlap | English farmers with existing BPS agreements | Covers eco-friendly deterrents like solar lighting or planting barriers |
| Countryside Stewardship Grants | Landscape and infrastructure improvements | England only, depending on scheme tier | May apply to fencing, hedging, and access controls |
| Local LEADER/UKSPF Projects | Rural business and infrastructure improvement | Varies by area – check your local authority | Some offer crime prevention funding within rural regeneration |
| Police/Crime Commissioner Micro-Grants | Small contributions to community-level prevention | Local schemes, often via Farm Watch or rural police teams | May support SmartWater kits, signage, basic deterrents |
🧠 How to Make a Strong Funding Application
Whether you’re applying for a full-scale tech upgrade or a small subsidy for cameras, here’s how to strengthen your case:
✅ 1. Link Security to Productivity
“Installing CCTV will not only reduce theft but also improve staff safety and help monitor operations.”
✅ 2. Prove the Risk
Reference local crime reports, your own incidents, or data from the National Rural Crime Network.
✅ 3. Include Environmental Benefit
If using solar lights, fencing for livestock protection, or native planting to deter access, note the sustainability link.
✅ 4. Show Planning
Include quotes, photos, maps, or a breakdown of zones (e.g., Red/Amber/Green areas as defined in your farm security audit).
✅ 5. Highlight Community Impact
“Our site borders a footpath and school route – these security upgrades also deter anti-social behaviour and protect others.”
🔗 Need a Starting Point?
Visit the following pages to get started:
- FETF 2025 Guidance via gov.uk
- Your local Police and Crime Commissioner’s site for community crime funding
- Check your NFU regional page — they often co-promote active security grants
- NRCN Reports and Crime Maps – use their insights to evidence your need
💡 Can You Combine Multiple Sources?
Yes. Many farmers use:
- FETF for hardware (CCTV, GPS)
- Local grants for deterrents (signage, SmartWater)
- Personal investment for low-cost upgrades (locks, dummy cams)
Think of it like building a puzzle: each grant can help you complete part of your farm security system.
Reporting Rural Crime Effectively: Why It Matters for Farm Security
You might be tempted to ignore a minor fuel theft or an unfamiliar car loitering near your fields, but rural crime thrives on silence. One of the most powerful tools in your farm security strategy is information sharing. Whether it’s a suspicious drone or a broken gate latch, reporting crime; and potential crime, helps protect not only your farm but your entire community.
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has stressed that under-reporting is one of the biggest barriers to tackling organised rural crime in the UK. Without solid data, police forces can’t justify dedicated resources for rural patrols or investigations.
Why Reporting Crime Is a Critical Part of Farm Security
- Helps build crime pattern intelligence across rural areas
- Informs funding decisions for rural policing and prevention measures
- Allows you to legally record incidents for insurance claims
- Enables forces to identify repeat locations or offenders
- Strengthens the overall case for rural crime to be taken seriously
🚨 Fact: Many successful rural crime prosecutions have been made possible by small reports that helped build a bigger picture.
How to Report Rural Crime in the UK
| Situation | What to Do | Contact Method |
|---|---|---|
| Crime in Progress or Threat to Life | Call 999 immediately | Emergency services |
| Suspicious Activity / Non-Urgent Incidents | Call 101 or use police force’s online reporting form | Local police |
| Anonymous Tips (e.g., fly-tipping gangs, poachers) | Contact Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org |
| Drone Sightings, Trespass, Damage | Log incident, notify Farm Watch / police | Helps track repeat offences |
| Insurance-Related Theft (even minor) | File a police report and obtain a crime reference number | Required for claims |
What Information to Record When Reporting
Always try to include:
- Date and time of incident or sighting
- Location details (field name, coordinates, what3words if remote)
- Descriptions of people, vehicles, drones (include number plates if safe)
- Photos or CCTV footage if available
- Whether this has happened before and what was previously stolen or damaged
🧠 Tip: Create a simple logbook (digital or paper) to record anything suspicious — over time, patterns may emerge.
Working with Farm Watch & Local Crime Networks
If you’re not already part of a Farm Watch scheme, consider joining or helping to start one. These local groups, often run in partnership with police, allow:
- Real-time sharing of threats and suspicious activity
- Direct alerts from police about local incidents
- Community support and shared equipment (e.g., signage, SmartWater kits)
🔗 Helpful resource: The National Rural Crime Network can help connect you with relevant local initiatives. Visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net to find updates, crime heatmaps, and contacts.
Reporting Isn’t Just Reaction — It’s Prevention
Every report you make helps:
- Prevent the same group targeting another farm
- Build pressure for better rural policing
- Justify public funding for crime prevention
- Boost insurance credibility by showing a proactive stance
“See it. Report it. Prevent it.” — it’s a motto worth living by in today’s rural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Rural Crime
What is the best way to improve farm security quickly?
Start by locking all gates, securing machinery in buildings, and installing motion-activated lighting. These quick wins significantly reduce risk while you plan a full farm security strategy.
What security systems are best for farms?
Smart CCTV, motion sensors, GPS trackers, and alarmed gates are among the most effective farm security systems. For large or remote sites, mobile tower units offer exceptional coverage.
How can I protect my farm from theft?
Use a layered approach: secure boundaries, lock equipment, mark assets with SmartWater, install surveillance, and report suspicious activity. Consistency and visibility are key.
Do I need CCTV on a rural farm?
Yes. CCTV is one of the most effective deterrents and provides essential evidence if a crime occurs. Even basic 4G-enabled systems can offer real-time monitoring.
What should I do if I suspect someone is watching my farm?
Record vehicle details, report sightings to the police or Farm Watch, and consider upgrading surveillance. Suspicious activity is often a precursor to theft.
Are GPS trackers worth it for tractors and quads?
Absolutely. GPS trackers help recover stolen equipment quickly and deter theft by making resale nearly impossible.
What grants are available for farm security in the UK?
Schemes like the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), Farming Investment Fund (FIF), and some local LEADER or police grants may fund farm security upgrades.
How do I secure fuel tanks on my farm?
Install locking caps, use a locked cage or concrete surround, and fit a fuel level monitor or alarm to detect sudden drops or tampering.
Can I use solar-powered security on my farm?
Yes. Solar lights and solar-powered CCTV towers are ideal for remote locations without mains electricity, offering eco-friendly and reliable protection.
Is it worth marking tools and equipment with forensic liquid?
Yes. Products like SmartWater or SelectaDNA make items traceable and significantly reduce their resale value, deterring organised rural crime.
How do I report farm crime or suspicious activity?
Call 999 for emergencies, 101 for non-urgent incidents, or use Crimestoppers to report anonymously. Logging suspicious activity helps build police intelligence.
Are livestock commonly targeted by thieves?
Yes. Sheep, cattle, and pigs are stolen for illegal resale or butchering. Secure fencing, ID tagging, and remote field surveillance reduce the risk.
What is a farm security audit and why do I need one?
A farm security audit identifies vulnerabilities across your land, buildings, and assets. It’s the first step in creating a targeted, effective defence plan.
How can I involve my staff in farm security?
Train staff to lock equipment, report suspicious behaviour, use logbooks, and follow a basic security routine. Empowering your team increases vigilance.
What does the National Rural Crime Network recommend?
The NRCN supports a 10-step plan to reduce rural crime, calling for community involvement, reporting, targeted policing, and smarter use of technology on farms.
