Statistics from 2012 provided by the NFU Mutual reveal that rural crime cost the UK public an estimated £42.3m and, whilst the figures for 2013 show that it has decreased, it is still a big problem in Kent.

The most rural crimes were seen in Yorkshire (£3.4m) and Essex (£1.9m), but Kent came in 4th with £1.8m,

However, both the Midlands and the South West have seen decreases in this type of crime of -32% and -26% respectively.

Here’s a great video from Kent Police about preventing rural crime

Are your gates locked?
Is your garden or other equipment secured?
Are your boundaries secured?
Do you have security lights?
Are your sheds locked?

Are outbuildings secured and alarmed?
Is machinery secured overnight with the keys removed?

It really is that simple.

Andrea Stephenson of Farm Watcher UK talks about how online tools can help rural communities to tackle this type of crime here.

Phase one is the Farm Watcher UK presence on Facebook and Twitter. During the first two weeks, one of their shared posts was viewed by over 30,000 people. This shows that people are willing to engage and share content with other to tackle rural crime.

Phase two will see the launch of a community-driven website, where users can register for free and log their rural theft. This will allow them to alert others in the area, as well as request information about possible sightings of any stolen items throughout the UK.

Phase three will be the development of a mobile smartphone app, that is able to alert users immediately of any thefts posted on the website.

Farm Watcher UK understands that most farmers and landowners will be out in the field all day away from a PC, so sharing information in this way will broaden the reach of the theft alert in a timely way.

Kent Police have a dedicated Crime Rural Advisory Group. Along with officers from Kent Police, this is made up of an active group of rural stakeholders such as the Country Landowners Association, NFU, National Gamekeepers organisation, Countryside Alliance, English Heritage and many others.

Michael Bax is its Chairman and he speaks here about improving communication and intelligence contacts and the problems of getting people to report such crimes.

Call us today to find out how our security cameras and alarm systems can help to keep your farm or rural property secure.