Rural, secluded, and filled with valuable resources – farms can be a magnet for crime. Whether it’s theft or otherwise, rural crime can be detrimental to farmers and property owners throughout the UK.
This is why it is essential that you assess your rural security systems and ensure that you have taken all the precautions necessary to leave your property in the safest position possible. Here are just a few pieces of advice we have for farm owners looking to upgrade their security measures.
This blog outlines the importance of security and protection systems for farms and details some of the best security measures you can be taking to protect your property. If you’re looking for personalised advice, call ai security for a consultation.
Why Protect Your Farm?
Threats to your farm are more present than ever – and as a location rich with resources, equipment, fuel, and other valuables worth stealing, it is vital that you do not underestimate your need for comprehensive farm security. Ensuring your farm is secure provides peace of mind, knowing that your property is monitored and safe from intruders.
Particularly as we enter winter, where it’s darker earlier and easier for crime to go unnoticed, it is imperative to be taking a look at your security systems and ask what could use an update.
Possible Security Threats on Farms
What should you be protecting your property from? There’s a wide array of crimes commonly faced by farms and businesses in rural areas. As previously mentioned, the sheer amount of valuable resources present on a farm can make it a prime target for thieves. Whether it’s equipment, tools, machinery, chemicals, or even livestock and farm animals, there are plenty of things on your farm that may attract theft.
Beyond that, there are several other crimes that farm owners have been regularly experiencing over recent years. Acts such as vandalism and arson have posed a significant threat to secluded areas. These types of crimes may not necessarily be in the forefront of your mind as you construct your security plans, but with how common they are and how devasting they can be it is essential that you consider everything that may be thrown your way.
4 Ways to Protect Your Property with Security for Farms
Here’s what you can do to keep your property safe. Installing safe and thorough security systems can make a world of difference in protecting your farm, and with the development of comprehensive modern security technology, there is no shortage of options for you to consider. Many systems now allow you to automatically connect to your WiFi or 4G network after following simple prompts and scanning a QR code. Advanced detection technology in these systems helps reduce false alarms, ensuring that alerts received are relevant and actionable. Here are just a few of our top security measures you should consider for your farm:
Door Entry Security and Access Control Systems
Have total confidence in the fact that you know precisely who is entering your property at any given time. Door security allows you to decide who has access to what buildings or areas of your property, allowing you to identify those visiting your farm and monitoring movement throughout the day. Security systems include:
- Audio-based systems (involving handhelds for two-way conversation)
- Video systems (allowing you to see visitors as they approach the door)
- Concierge systems (can also be used to open barriers or gates)
- Stand-alone access control (using a numeric code, PIN, or proximity token to limit who has access your property)
- Networked access control (all doors controlled via a central point or computer, great for large properties)
- Farm gates (secure entrances to prevent theft and unauthorized access, with options for solar power and remote controls)
Farm Security Cameras
The most obvious benefit of farm cctv cameras for farms is that you will keep a detailed record of everything happening on your property – protecting you should any crime take place on your farm. These cameras often come with night vision capabilities, allowing you to monitor your property even in low-light conditions.
Additionally, a network video recorder can centralize the recording of video footage from multiple surveillance and wifi security cameras, efficiently managing data without overwhelming local networks. However, visible CCTV cameras can also act as a great deterrent for criminals. Having your farm quite clearly monitored lessens the likelihood that you will be targeted.
Security Lights
Ensuring that you don’t keep your farm too dark is a simple and effective security measure. Installing top-quality lights for 24 hour use can deter crime, and ensure that nothing goes by unnoticed.
Security Barriers, Gates, and Doors
High-quality gates and barriers are often the first line of defence against crime. Ensuring that you have protective measures installed to protect the most valuable areas of your property is one of the simplest security measures you can take. These measures should be able to withstand harsh weather conditions to ensure year-round reliability. With a wide range of options available to adjust doors and gates to your needs – such as automatic closing, side entry gates, or biometric readers – finding the right barrier options is the perfect first step to take. Additionally, consider installing outdoor security cameras that are rigorously tested to operate in extreme temperatures and have an IP66 waterproof rating for enhanced durability.
Call Today for a Farm Security Consultation
Don’t wait for something to go wrong. With the rates of farm crimes on a dangerously uphill trend over the past decade, it is vital that you assess your security systems and take the best precautions you can.
If you’re looking to install the highest-grade security to your property, ai security is ready to step in and guide you through the process. With comprehensive security technology ready for instalment and knowledgeable experts prepared to assess your farm’s needs, there is no reason not to call us today and take that first step towards keeping your farm secure and safe.
Farm Security FAQs
What’s the best security system for a farm?
The best security system for a farm is a combination of security cameras, motion detectors, alarm systems and smart locks. And with modern security systems you can monitor your property even when you’re not there. Farmhouses may also benefit from outdoor cameras with night vision and weatherproofing and sensors for gates shed, barns and other outbuildings.
Are Farmstream cameras any good?
Farmstream cameras are good, especially for agricultural settings. They have high definition video, night vision and weatherproof designs so these devices are suitable for monitoring livestock, fields and farm properties. Users like their durability and ease of installation. But as with any product, you need to consider your specific needs and read reviews to make sure they meet your requirements.
Is it illegal to have a camera in your garden?
In most places it’s not illegal to have a camera in your garden as long as it’s monitoring your property and not invading your neighbour’s privacy. Laws regarding camera footage vary by location so check your local regulations to make sure you comply. Cameras should be placed so they don’t capture areas beyond your property, such as a neighbour’s garden or public spaces without consent.
Do I need planning permission for cameras?
In general you don’t need planning permission for security cameras if they are on your own property and for security purposes. But if your property is a listed building or in a conservation area you may need permission. Check with your local planning authority to see if you need permission.
How do you secure a farm?
Securing a farm involves a multi-layered approach:
- Perimeter Fencing: Install strong, secure fencing around the property to deter unauthorized access.
- Gates: Use locked gates with access control systems.
- Lighting: Install motion-activated lighting to illuminate the property at night.
- Cameras: Deploy security cameras to monitor key areas, such as entrances, barns, and equipment storage.
- Alarm Systems: Use alarms that trigger when unauthorized access is detected.
- Guard Animals: Some farmers use guard dogs or other animals as an additional layer of security.
What is security farming?
“Security farming” is a term that may refer to strategies used in farming to protect crops, livestock, and property from theft, vandalism, and other threats. It encompasses various practices, including the installation of physical security measures, livestock monitoring, the use of technology (like cameras and alarms), and management practices aimed at minimizing risks.
Which is the best security method to protect against farming?
If this question is related to online security, “farming” might be a typo for “pharming,” a type of cyberattack. The best security method to protect against pharming (if that’s what is meant) includes:
- DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC): Ensures the integrity of DNS queries.
- Antivirus and Anti-malware Software: Protects against malicious software.
- Secure Browsing Practices: Avoiding suspicious links and websites.
- Regular Updates: Keeping all software and systems up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
How do I turn off the farm’s security system?
To turn off a farm’s security system, follow these general steps:
- Access the Control Panel: Go to the main control panel of the security system.
- Enter the Passcode: Input the required passcode or use the authorized access method (e.g., key fob).
- Select ‘Disarm’ or ‘Turn Off’: Look for an option to disarm or turn off the system, and select it.
- Confirm Action: Some systems may require you to confirm the disarm action.
For specific instructions, refer to the user manual of your security camera system, as the process can vary depending on the brand and model.
