Farm Security

While the overall cost of rural theft fell by 20 per cent in 2020 as Covid-19 kept thieves out of the countryside, other rural crimes rose sharply, and NFU Mutual is warning that organised criminals are returning with new tactics.

With the world’s largest meat processor JBS recently sustaining a devastating cyber-attack which cost the business close to £8m, the current threat of cybercrime to the agri-farming industry has never been more topical.

Despite being banned in 2004 as part of the Hunting Act, hare coursing remains a costly and distressing problem for farmers across the UK

The theft of equipment from construction sites and farms has a significant impact on the businesses targeted from both the loss and replacement of the equipment taken, in addition to the cost of temporarily reduced activity and downtime within these sectors.

Dog thefts have been a rising problem in the UK for some time, but a lockdown pet boom has exacerbated the problem to incredible levels. It’s estimated that dog thefts have risen by 170% since the start of the pandemic.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has collaborated with the National Farmers Union (NFU) to create an informative, useful guide to help farmers stay safe.

Farms of the future will use smart technology to secure and manage their assets. Active Farm Solutions explores how you can get real-time security data and instant alerts on your entire farm, all delivered to any web-enabled smart device.

Every farm uses gates, but more and more have begun to opt for a more advanced electric option. Some have made the jump for better deterrence against intruders or stronger biosecurity. Others have found the ease of use and extra convenience worthwhile.

With rural crime on the rise, making sure your farm security is up to scratch has never been more important. 24 Networks and Security, which works with farmers nationwide to protect their property, offers some advice.

Thieves are targeting expensive tractor GPS kit as Covid-19 restrictions ease; prompting rural insurer NFU Mutual to issue a security alert.

Three-quarters of rural dog owners have put in place additional measures to protect dogs from theft over the past year, according to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC).

Determined rural thieves are targeting expensive quad bikes used by farmers to tend to livestock during the lambing season, latest NFU Mutual claim figures reveal.