Farm businesses targeted by organised criminals
The impact of rural crime on farmers, businesses and the local communities shouldn’t be underestimated.
Rural crime cost the UK £54 million in 2019, in Shropshire it was £1,412,222. It has financial consequences but farms are not just workplaces, they are the homes of farming families. This crime causes untold anxiety to farmers who can often be the victims of intimidation and threats of violence.
Increasing sophistication of organised criminals targeting agricultural plant, livestock, farm vehicles and machinery means we need to be creative in both detecting and preventing these crimes and working closely with the community to do this.
Farmers and rural businesses are being forced to come up with new ways of protecting property. The use of CCTV cameras, smart water, strong lighting and security fences can help, as well as innovative technology such as installing infra-red beams which send alerts to mobile phones and geo-fencing, which triggers an alarm if tractors go beyond farm boundaries.
Farmers should take steps to avoid becoming a victim of crime and ensure their machinery, livestock and equipment is protected, and to secure outbuildings. For more advice go to: https://www.klf-insurance.com/blog
Keith Fowles is the owner of KLF Insurance Brokers.
