Crime prevention tips to keep you and your property safe this winter

The darker nights have seen an increase in attacks on farms and rural properties. Police are working hard to identify and pursue those responsible but they are asking that farmers and rural communities are vigilant and take all reasonable measures to protect their property.

Derbyshire Constabulary have issued some crime prevention tips to help you keep safe this winter, especially for those living in a rural area. 

•Look for existing weaknesses

Before you put any security measures in place, you’ll need to analyse your existing set-up. It may be you are already as secure as you can be in certain areas but there may also be glaring gaps that need to be filled. The only way to find out is to check thoroughly and think like a criminal. If possible, keep vehicles/machinery out of sight in a lockable building or garage and always remove machinery from fields, especially near roads when it is not in use.

•Consider your land and buildings from the perspective of a potential thief. What weaknesses can you spot? If you were trying to break in, what route would you choose? If you were planning to leave with bulky equipment how would you do it? This will allow you to address the most urgent problems first.

•Install security measures

Technology can offer a real advantage in deterring criminals. This includes alarms, security systems and motion activated lights. Put alarms on doors to buildings and point CCTV cameras at the most vulnerable spots on your farm.

•Visible deterrents will also help. Many criminals on farms are chancers or simply not that good at their chosen profession. Any form of obvious security could make them think twice and choose somewhere else to carry out their illegal activities. A loud alarm could well encourage them to flee empty handed. Visible security may also discourage the more innocent from straying on your land and scaring your animals.

•Check locks on windows and doors

There are good locks and there are locks that anyone with a little knowledge can open quite easily. Check that your padlocks are strong – consider covers to them to stop them being cut through. Don’t forget the hinges of the doors, as these can be real weak points.

- This is not an area where cost savings reap long term benefits.

- Try and get the best equipment you can as your locks can make a real difference between a safe and unsecured farm.

- And don’t forget to store keys in places that aren't obvious as well.

•Check the perimeter

Security starts as soon as your land begins. Bolstering your perimeter security could include additional fencing, ditches to prevent unauthorised vehicles accessing your land and thick prickly hedges. Make sure existing infrastructure is in good working order. Don't offer any obvious open doorways to your property.

•Consider branding and serial numbers

Take the protection of your equipment and vehicles seriously. You can brand your equipment with unique serial numbers – such as etching into a window or the bodywork. Take photos as well. If your equipment is stolen, this will help with the recovery. Consider everything of value. For example, GPS kit theft has been a problem in recent years.

Finally, always report suspicious visitors or behaviour on, at, or around your property to the police at the earliest opportunity.

For further crime prevention advice you can contact police by any of the below methods:

Website – They have crime reporting tools on their website: https://orlo.uk/LXqs0

Facebook – send a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page

Twitter – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact

Phone – call on 101