Crime Reduction advice for farms, stables and rural outbuildings
Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
In order to reduce opportunities for crime at farms and remote buildings the Pre Crime Unit would like to offer the following advice.
Farm Buildings
Store valuable equipment and tools such as chainsaws, welding and cutting equipment, vehicle spares and riding tack in a secure building behind a strong locked door. Or, build a metal storage cage inside a building and keep it locked.
Use British Standard locks, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks. Windows can be protected with metal bars. Lock outbuildings when you are not using them. Thieves don’t like well-lit areas so fit outside security lights that are controlled by an automatic time-switch or infra-red beams that react to heat or movement.
Consider fitting an intruder alarm or CCTV to alert you to anything suspicious.
Machinery and tools – Try to secure or immobilise vehicles or equipment when not in use. If possible remove machinery from fields, especially near roads.
Identify your property by:
- Keeping a record of the serial number, chassis and model numbers of machines.
- Using metal engravers to mark tools, vehicles and equipment with your postcode followed by the first two letters of your farm’s name.
- For motorised vehicles or plant equipment consider using the CESAR Datatag Marking Scheme – www.cesarscheme.org
Theft of diesel or other fuel oil
Perimeter Security – Perimeter fencing to oil storage areas or tanks may deter the occasional/opportunistic thief and it will slow down organised thieves. Advice on appropriate perimeter security can be provided by a Crime Reduction Advisor or information on ‘police preferred’ fencing products can be found within the ‘products’ section of the Secured by Design website – www.securedbydesign.com
Effective Security Lighting – Lighting is vital to reducing theft of oil. Though opportunistic thieves may strike in busy areas in broad daylight, more organised thieves are more professional, more risk averse and are more likely to offend at night. Good security lighting can make vehicles more visible and improve natural surveillance. External dusk to dawn lighting is the most appropriate type of security lighting.
CCTV – Remote monitored CCTV could help prevent fuel oil theft before it happens if the monitoring centre can notify the police in real time as an offence is taking place. Please ensure that you have sufficient lighting to allow your CCTV cameras to work at low light levels.
Fuel Oil Alarms – Remotely monitored alarms are now available to monitor fuel oil tanks. The systems work by monitoring the fuel oil levels in the tank and respond to a drop in level in the tank. The alarm can be monitored remotely through an ARC monitored system. Further details can be found on the Secured by Design website www.securedbydesign.com
Message sent by
Jason Crofts (Police, PC 1146, West Bassetlaw, East Bassetlaw & Sherwood)