As a local, leading provider of CCTV security systems, we have become steadily more aware of an upward trend in rural crime, which is affecting businesses from farms to garden centres. We have heard first-hand the effect this type of crime has on local business owners.
The Growing Threat of Rural Crime
In the most recent NFU Mutual Crime Report (National Farmers Union), Essex ranked first among the counties as the worst affected by costs caused by rural crime. The vast majority of these crimes are opportunistic, leading to an increase of 82.1% in 2023, up from the previous year.
The Financial Costs of Rural Crime
The financial costs are not the only impact these crimes have either. The victims of these thefts must also contend with a disruption to their busy schedules, spending time on replacing stolen kits, the risk of physical dangers from the thieves and the knock-on effect on mental wellbeing.
There is also a trend in these crimes, where a second theft occurs a short while after the first, when inevitably the stolen equipment has been replaced with new equipment.
Types of Rural Crime: Theft, Vandalism, and Livestock Rustling
Rural crime can take many forms, including theft, vandalism, and livestock rustling. Theft is the most prevalent type of rural crime, with thieves targeting valuable items such as farm equipment, tools, and livestock.
The loss of these essential assets can severely disrupt daily operations and lead to significant financial setbacks. Vandalism is another major concern, with perpetrators causing damage to property and infrastructure, further straining the resources of rural businesses.
Livestock rustling, the theft of animals, poses a unique threat, as it not only results in financial losses but also impacts the livelihood of farmers. These diverse threats underscore the importance of comprehensive farm security systems, including livestock monitoring and outdoor security cameras, to safeguard rural properties.
How You Can Prevent Rural Crime?
The police are aware and are making efforts to combat rural crime, but given that this can be, at times, slow and ineffective, there are several recommendations that NFU Mutual offers to individuals to improve protection to themselves and their business.
These Recommended Preventative Measures are:
- Install CCTV, security lighting and alarms.
- Mark and track equipment with CESAR marking and immobilisers.
- Store all keys securely and park all machinery out of sight.
- Participate in rural watch groups & local Whatsapp groups and report/share any suspicious activity
Enhanced Evidence Collection for Prosecution
Rural CCTV systems can also provide valuable evidence for prosecution. CCTV footage can be used to identify perpetrators and provide evidence of their crimes, which can help to secure convictions and bring criminals to justice. High-definition camera footage, including night vision capabilities, ensures that even incidents occurring in low-light conditions are clearly recorded. This enhanced evidence collection is crucial in holding offenders accountable and deterring future crimes.
By installing a rural CCTV system, farmers and rural businesses can help to protect their properties and communities from the threat of rural crime. With their deterrent effect, improved response times, and enhanced evidence collection, rural CCTV systems are an essential tool in the fight against rural crime. Investing in advanced farm cameras and security systems is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and security of rural communities.
Deterrent Effect on Potential Criminals
One of the main benefits of rural CCTV systems is their deterrent effect on potential criminals. The presence of CCTV cameras can deter thieves and vandals from targeting rural properties, as they know that their actions will be recorded and can be used as evidence in court. The visibility of outdoor security cameras and security lights can significantly reduce the likelihood of criminal activity, providing peace of mind to rural business owners.
Improved Response Times to Incidents
Rural CCTV systems can also improve response times to incidents. With CCTV cameras, farmers and rural businesses can quickly identify and respond to security breaches, which can help to minimise the impact of the incident. Real-time alerts and remote monitoring capabilities enable swift action, whether it’s contacting law enforcement or addressing the situation directly. This proactive approach can prevent further damage and loss.
Advanced Rural CCTV Security Systems
We have been providing CCTV security systems for rural businesses for many years and, with the advancement in technology, the systems are becoming more effective and easier to use. Farm CCTV systems are crucial in enhancing security on rural properties. We are now able to offer a fully integrated intruder deterrent security system using multi-functional AI CCTV cameras. Livestock cameras are also part of this integrated approach, helping to safeguard livestock and monitor farm activity.
Click here to witness the example of the intruder deterrent system in action. When the incident happened, our customer received a real time alert on their phone, called the police and then attended their business. This resulted in nothing being stolen and the intruders receiving a real fright.
Key Benefits of the Integrated Active Deterrent Security System:
- The ability to monitor areas of interest remotely from any location – reducing personal risk.
- Audible alarms & flashing lights triggered remotely or manually – to scare off would-be intruders.
- High quality CCTV footage stored for at least a month – this also helps identify people checking out areas before then coming back to commit their crime.
Additional Key Features of Our Systems:
- Very high-definition CCTV footage.
- Camera switch to provide full-colour footage at night.
- Very easy-to-use system via a mobile, tablet or PC.
- Intruder alerts are sent in real-time to your mobile and/or to a monitoring station.
- Audible alarms that can be tailored.
- Bright flashing lights at the camera head.
- 2-way audio communication between any camera and your mobile.
- Number plate recognition.
- Impeccable ongoing support.
- 3-year advanced replacement warranty.
If you would like to learn more or arrange a FREE site survey and a no obligation quotation, please either call 01787 220202 or email us info@i-ht.co.uk.
