Farm Theft Prevention

Posted on: 07/08/2012

The report shows that crime prevention on the ground of innovative technology in terms of prevention is matched by effective intruder alarms like "geese"! New figures revealed by rural insurer NFU Mutual show that rural crime in Northern Ireland totalled an estimated £4.2 million during 2011, with the UK-wide cost of ‘agri-crime’ up 6% to an estimated £52.7 million..The figures, based on claims data, have been released to coincide with the publication of the annual NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey, a nationwide survey of branch offices located throughout the UK’s countryside. Unlike other crime reports, NFU Mutual’s includes claims for crimes against homes, farms, commercial premises and vehicles.
CCTV OR GEESE SOUND!
With the introduction of better security measures, whether hi-tech (69%) or physical (63%), identified as the most effective means by which to deter crime, this year’s survey identified a wide range of security initiatives being increasingly employed by NFU Mutual members.
While some members have installed cutting edge technology such as laser equipped alarm systems, retina scanning for sheep and motion detectors to protect their properties, others have sought 'recession busting' alternatives such as;
NATURE’S SECURITY GUARDS: Keeping geese, who are easily disturbed by motion and make noise, is an increasingly popular alternative to hi-tech alarm systems.
NOISY FARM ANIMALS: Some members are housing more aggressive animals such as llamas with more traditional and placid livestock.
BULLSEYE: Members have reported storing valuable machinery beyond pens housing animals such as Friesian bulls.
NOT JUST FOR CROWS: Scarecrows placed within farm buildings and yards to deter intruders and make them think real people are present.

Based on claims the most common targetting items in 2011 were in the following order ( previous year ranking in brackets.

1 Tools(1)
2 Heating Diesel Oil ( 3)
3 Quad Bikes (2)
4 Metal (5)
5 Machinery (6)
6 Tractor (4)
7 Vehicles (8)
8 Livestock (10)
9 Equipment (new)
10 Personal Items (9)