Protecting your property (From Smallholder)

Protecting your property

8:20am Saturday 28th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

With the onset of winter, dark mornings and long evenings, I often ask my local Exmoor smallholders and farmers what security measures they have put in place to deter thieves from stealing their prize tools, machinery and even livestock.

Christmas is the time of year that an isolated paddock of geese or turkeys might prove tempting not only to Mr Fox but also to another predator in the shape of a rural thief.

There are generally two types of rural thieves. One is a poacher, who is interested in meat for himself or seasonal livestock such as turkeys. The second type of thief is more cunning and just like a fox, will look at vulnerable areas and observe times of the day when owners are out before helping himself.

These people will generally be driving a 4x4 and trailer and which would not look out of place in rural areas, they will use internet maps to look at satellite pictures of a property and look for a convenient place to hide their vehicle and access the property from another field or gateway.

Anything that can be carried or driven will be on the wish list, items such as petrol-powered tools, quad bikes, equestrian equipment and even animals.

So what can be done to thwart the unwelcome attention of Mr Thief? As an Exmoor police officer and smallholder myself, I wanted to highlight what you can do to ensure security of your equipment and stock.

Avon and Somerset constabulary developed a scheme known as Rural Watch. This scheme was initially developed by a rural police officer, PC Tess Woodand.

It focuses on marking property using special paint pens and engravers and enables the police to keep a database of property belonging to a farm or smallholding and which will enable, should we recover it, the property to be reunited with its owner.

I believe Avon and Somerset has pioneered this system, but if you contact your local constabulary I am sure they will have a similar scheme.

Security Tips So what can you do now to ensure security of your smallholding?

Contact your local constabulary and see what rural crime prevention schemes they run.

Identify your vulnerable areas and shield gateways and hedge holes using anything from corrugated iron to brush wood, this will stop prying eyes from seeing your big fat turkeys and other animals running around their pens.

Find out who your local police officer is and introduce yourself and your property.

Put padlocks on chicken coops and other poultry housing.

If you have dogs let them roam all areas around the property, this will deter Mr Burglar and the fox.

Mark your property where possible and take digital photos.

Christmas is a time that we associate with giving, but that doesn’t include Mr Burglar so keep a sharp eye out and report any suspicious people or vehicles to your local police n

• Print
• Email
• Share