In times of austerity crime seems to rise, it is a known economic factor. Rural crime is no exception; in fact, the ease of access makes rural crime the hot target. An increasing number of Farmers and Agricultural businesses are, in turn, taking to a defensive solution to this situation and safeguarding their assets with CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television). The modern technology available to Rural Businesses in the UK is now so advanced it can provide a 24/7 deterrent as well as real time solution and is becoming a vital part of Farm Security.
According to the latest figures from NFU Mutual, rural theft cost the UK £49.5 million in 2024, with machinery, fuel, and livestock topping the list of stolen items. These assets are stolen from yards, sheds and properties around farms and include fuel tanks, GPS systems, Quad bikes, and livestock. Overseas organised gambling groups are also targeting rich game areas for high stakes gambling in barbaric situations often leaving animals maimed or culled from horrific attacks.
Why CCTV?
With a fully integrated and securely fitted CCTV system from qualified and certified engineers Farmers have access to real time and recorded day and nighttime footage, high definition 4k imagery as well as thermal imagery and AI developed solutions to determine what is where and when. In the countryside response times from authorities can be slow if at all so having information recorded or in real time can deter, capture, or prevent crime on your Farm.
“Just having a visible network of cameras and security notices around the farm, its property and land can reduce the probability of criminal activity” says James Trett, Farm Security consultant at Farm Security Ltd. “not only do they provide high resolution evidence after an incident, but they can prevent incidents before they happen”.
Smart Features
With night vision, thermal imagery, 4k resolution, ANPR (Automatic number plate recognition), motion detection and AI Advanced detection the modern, professional CCTV solution gives peace of mind, control, and full control. Networking such hi-tech solutions into the Farm or Business system can provide alerts, alarms and protocol sent to a mobile or serviced control station for immediate action. The systems can be wired, wireless and 4G/5G with solar power for the hard to get to areas of concern. “We always have a solution” continues James.
An Investment Worth Itself
The latest tech is always one step ahead of the curve and comes at a price initially but if you cannot spray or harvest your crops when the window of opportunity is there what is the cost? When your livestock progeny is taken or slaughtered how many years of hard work, nurturing and selection has gone? If you need your GPS system to make things work around your fields, what do you do when its gone and what does the delay cost you? The cost compared to any loss due to theft, vandalism or other criminal activity is negated when you have a reliable, certified system. It could also reduce your insurance premiums.
The Future
With rural crime evolving and becoming more organised, the demand for smarter, more connected farm security systems is likely to grow. CCTV, once a luxury, is now becoming a necessity. Farmers interested in improving their on-site security are encouraged to consult with professional installers to ensure coverage is tailored to their unique layout and needs.
