Rural News

Home Office statistics suggest over a quarter of rural businesses (26 per cent) experienced at least one crime incident in 2018, but it is well-known that such crimes continue to rise, with growing reports of a spike in thefts during lockdown.

With the country facing an unprecedented health crisis, there is growing evidence to suggest farmers are being targeted by thieves.

As many farmers will be aware, trespass is considered a civilian, not a criminal offence, over which police have no current jurisdiction. With this in mind, Solar Gate Systems stresses the importance of securing gates, which can be an invitation to criminals.

Offering his top tips for farm security, James Doel of Active Farm Solutions, says one of the biggest challenges is that every farm is unique, so every security system must be unique too.

In these troubled times, when the UK is seeing a rise in rural crime, many farmers will be looking to update their security systems.

North Yorkshire-based security firm Cubtech was launched just over a year ago after business owner Lee Turner moved to the village of Slingsby and learned from local farmers about the high level of rural crime the industry faces.

As many farmers review their security arrangements in light of growing concerns about rural crime during the coronavirus outbreak, Alastair Gray of Turnpikes Ltd shares some top tips to keep properties safe.

The National Beef Association (NBA) have written to Asda CEO Roger Burnley and Sainsbury’s CEO Mike Coupe raising concerns over their use of imported Polish mince.

Farmers, conservationists and firefighters alike are united in their pleas to stop releasing sky lanterns in support of the NHS, owing to the dangers they pose to livestock and wildlife.

Rural tourism is worth £18.5 billion a year to the economy and employs over 600,000 people. Yet, almost overnight, many businesses have shut down for an unknown period of time.

“This year’s AgriScot is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 18th November and at present the expectation is that the event will be staged as normal” says AgriScot Chairman, Robert Neill

In line with its commitment to support the UK livestock sector and maintain the food supply chain during the evolving coronavirus crisis, the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) welcomes two new online platforms that are helping to support livestock trade via dedicated auction events and services.