Low-cost tips to protect your farm from unwanted visitors

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

AN Garda Síochána work closely with the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) in tackling rural crime. In recent weeks, the IFA launched their ‘Be Safe and Secure in 2021’ campaign. Printed information packs are being circulated to IFA members across the country which provide tips on how farmers and the rural community can stay safe and secure in their homes, on their farms and online in the months ahead.

Farming is the backbone of our rural communities and forms a strong part of our heritage but too often they can fall victim of crime. I suppose everything on a farm is of value to someone and given their size and geographical spread they often make for easy pickings. Machinery, tools, livestock, fuel, fertilisers, vehicles, buildings; – where does one start when it comes to farm security?

Security is very much about layers and such layers should deter, delay and detect criminals. You should never give the criminal an opportunity, because if you make it easy, they will exploit that advantage. Very often, it’s low-cost or no-cost solutions that are needed to protect your farm, so hopefully you’ll find the following crime prevention tips useful.

The first important layer in any farm or farmyard is the perimeter. Gates were traditionally kept closed to keep livestock in, but these days they also assist in keeping the unwanted trespasser or lurcher out. A decent padlock is invaluable and will often deter the criminal, but also make sure that the hinged side of the gate is secured and cannot be lifted away.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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