Rural Crime News

Increased use of tracking security devices on tractors and quad bikes has helped Police Scotland recover stolen farm machinery worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Farmers are being warned to up their security following a spate of tractor GPS thefts in the south west.

Well-known Welsh farmer and TV presenter Gareth Wyn Jones has said he was left “fuming” after walkers left a gate open on his farm, allowing sheep to escape.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Farmers, landowners and members of the public are being urged to be extra vigilant amidst a spike in fly-tipping caused by recycling centre closures and disrupted bin collection services.

Farmers are being warned to take every precaution to protect their machinery, equipment and livestock, as reports come in from around the country of thieves targeting farms during the Covid-19 lockdown.

As the UK battles the escalating Covid-19 outbreak, farmers are being warned to take steps to protect their machinery, livestock and equipment from thieves who are taking advantage of the pandemic.