Crime prevention advice on Farm Security

Sergeant Kelvin Courtney was in studio to offered advice on Farm Security. He discussed the facts about theft of farm machinery and highlighted preventative measures that can be taken which are stated below.

THEFT OF FARM MACHINERY -

Trailers are the most commonly stolen item of farm machinery.

Facts about Theft of Farm Machinery:

There have been approximately 1,316 items of farm equipment stolen in the past 12 months, a 5% increase on the previous 12 months.

Increased amounts of these thefts occur in Spring and Autumn, which may be related to peak farming activity.

Thefts can occur at all hours and days of the week.

Farm items stolen include Tractors, Quad Bikes, Gates and Fertilizer.

Simple but Effective Farm Machinery Theft Prevention Advice:

1. Store your tools and smaller machinery in secured buildings close to the farmhouse.

Photograph machinery and tools, keep a detailed record of make, serial number and colour.

Mark the property with a uniquely identifiable brand in both obvious and secret locations.

For firearms storage use a secure firearms cabinet, secured to a solid wall.

2. Restrict access to your farmyard, install gates and fix them to sturdy concrete or metal posts.

Keep them locked and consider appropriate signage such as “private property”.

3. Consider installing an alarm and CCTV in vulnerable areas out of view of the farm house.

Install good lighting to illuminate areas viewed from the home or covered by CCTV.

4. Consider joining a Community Alert scheme or starting your own.

Report suspicious activity to local Gardaí immediately. For further information on farmyard security visit our Crime Prevention page under www.garda.ie