Ex-SAS adviser to tackle rural crime and farm security

Rural crime has become an increased concern

Having spent 22 years working in corporate security following 24 years in the military, Mick Hawkes returned to rural Herefordshire, where he realised how significant the problem of rural crime has become.

“The Government and the police seem to do very little to help, and rural crime is a financial, physical and mental burden on farmers,” Mick says. “I came back to the UK to help people defeat criminals, teaching personal safety and situational awareness with my daughter Keeley. But when I realised the challenges that farmers and rural communities are facing, I decided to see if I could help them with a more practical approach.”

Understand farms’ security weaknesses

Mr Hawkes spent 14 years in the SAS, and as part of his work in Northern Ireland he worked for four years breaking into farm complexes covertly to combat the IRA. He then returned to Hereford, where he taught military students in the art of Close Target Recces, again, working around farms covertly. “I therefore have a strong understanding of farms’ weak points, and know that farmers and farm workers are the first line of defence against criminals.”

Rural theft across the UK cost an estimated £40.5m in 2021, according to NFU Mutual’s annual report, with thieves targeting fuel, livestock and machinery. And, the cost increased by over 40% in the first quarter of 2022, with rural crime a worry to 50% of the rural community.

Trespassing and break-ins on farms

But it’s not just farm theft that is a concern for rural residents – the rise in animal rights extremists breaking into farms is a very real threat, and training in farm security and situational awareness will help to combat this.

“It’s about knowing what to look out for, general vigilance, and ensuring your own personal safety,” says Mr Hawkes.

A cost-effective approach to farm security

He also knows that farmers are on tight budgets, so he is offering a cost-effective approach to farm security, rather than selling expensive security systems.

“We can carry out security assessments of vulnerable farms that have been targeted for crime, then recommend cost effective solutions using what they already have, to ensure we keep recommendations realistic.”

Mr Hawkes and his daughter also offer personal safety training for farmers, their workers and families.

“Keeley trains young people and adults in security and situational awareness, helping them to manage confrontation and keep safe on the streets,” says Mr Hawkes. “If we can maintain zero security incidents working in the world’s crime hotspots, then we can do the same in here in the UK countryside.”