Unfortunately, farm theft is a live threat that can strike at any time. In 2023, a survey that was conducted by criminologists at TU Dublin with the support of the Irish Farmers’ Association found that 55%, of the 1,333 farmers who responded, were victims of theft. A loss of assets can be devastating for any business owner so it’s important for farmers to ensure that their livestock, vehicles, machinery and equipment are safely secured.
In many cases, taking simple precautionary measures can have a hugely positive impact on the safety of your farm. It’s not all about high-end security equipment and changing the way you run things, there are several areas that can be easily overlooked which could reduce the risk of your land being targeted. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the ways you can protect your farm from theft.
1. Assessment
Take the time to do a walk of your farm and see if there’s anything that sticks out to you as a potential crime target. What is the access to the area like? Is there anything left lying around that could be stolen? It’s a good place to start to see if there is anything you would change to make the area more secure.
2. Store your keys in a safe place
Don’t leave your keys unattended in a vehicle. Approximately 1 in 3 tractors are stolen from farms when there is a key left in the vehicle. You should also store your keys in a safe place that’s not in plain sight or easily accessible.
3. Secure the boundaries of the farm
Ensure all boundaries that surround the farm are secure and are maintained well. This is especially important for boundaries made from fences, walls or hedges that could become unstable or overgrown.
4. Tag your farm equipment
Tag any equipment that you have on your farm. Brand your name and details on each appliance, machine and vehicle so it can be identified if stolen. Where possible, keep pens for animals, as well as equipment, vehicles and valuables, away from the roads so passers-by don’t know what you own.
5. Count and inspect your animals
It’s important to count your animals regularly and also ensure their tags and records are all up to date.
6. Invest in good lighting
Where possible, you should invest in a good lighting system for your farm to illuminate different areas of your land. Many criminals attempt to rob areas at night when visibility is poorer so having proper lighting will make your farm a less attractive target for thieves.
7. Install alarm systems
Consider getting alarm systems in your sheds or if you already have them, regularly check they’re in working order.
8. Vary feeding times
Vary the feeding times for your animals so your routine doesn’t become predictable to onlookers. If you have a set routine on the farm, criminals will know when the farm is unattended and when best to strike.
9. Take photos of your farm
Take photos of your farm and any farm equipment and machinery that you own so you have photos of them on file. After a theft, it can be helpful to have photos of any items that were stolen for insurance purposes.
10. Rely on your community and neighbours
It’s inevitable that you won’t be on your farm at all times, so it’s important to have neighbours and members of your community that will keep an eye out and let you know if they see anything suspicious on your farm. Having that relationship with neighbours will help give you peace of mind and another layer of protection.
Protect your farm even further by having a farm insurance policy in place that suits your needs. Talk to the AXA Farm Insurance Team today to discuss the best cover options for you and your farm.
