Burglary: Intrusive, upsetting, debilitating, infuriating.
Ten years ago burglars attempted to steal from my yard and home. Fortunately they were unsuccessful. It was a worrying ordeal but it prompted my family to take preventative action. Thankfully we have not experienced any further burglary attempts on our home. But it seems every day we see or hear something about rural crime. It’s an issue that is seriously disrupting people’s lives. It’s worrying and it’s something that demands everyone’s attention and co-operation.
Earlier this week I met with Colin Connolly, Rural Crime Prevention executive with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). Colin’s background is in crime investigation with An Garda Siochana. Colin has over 11 years of crime investigation experience, during which he developed an in-depth knowledge of criminal activity and available deterrents. Colin explained to me that “some of the most effective deterrents are very basic in their nature”.
One such deterrent is marking and branding of property. In recent weeks a new farm theft prevention initiative, Theft Stop, has been developed by the IFA in partnership with An Garda Siochana but it is not exclusive to IFA members. Anyone can avail of the initiative.
THEFT STOP
Theft Stop provides members with a unique security ID. The member then marks their property with this ID using a stencil kit and/or a metal stamping kit. Members of the initiative should then photograph their marked equipment and machinery and upload them to theftstop.ie.
For members this acts as a digital inventory of your equipment and allows you to clearly identify the equipment should it be stolen. A comprehensive database of all stolen equipment will be maintained and will be available to view online. Theft Stop will also circulate details of your stolen items to its members.
An Garda Siochana struggle annually to return found items to their rightful owners. Theft Stop can help. If you are considering buying used equipment you can go to theftstop.ie to view the database of stolen items before you make a purchase.
Colin urges people to be vigilant. “Please don’t purchase items that seem too good to be true. Chances are they probably are. I would ask people to put themselves in the shoes of the victim of the theft.”
Earlier this year, I wrote a small piece in this publication about a family who had goods to the value of €7,000 stolen. The tack and riding equipment had been bought for children’s birthdays and Christmas presents. It was heart-breaking to hear of the family’s misfortune.
The robbers stole everything from expensive saddles right down to buckets and sponges. We, as horse owners, need to work together and always err on the side of caution when purchasing pre-owned equipment.
Colin firmly believes that “by marking and registering property we will begin to reduce thefts nationwide. However, this will only be achieved by community engagement across all sectors of the farming and wider rural community.”
BUILDING SECURITY
Upgrade your storage to reflect the value of your property. If your building shell is poor consider using secondary secure storage such as a container.Be sensible – store all your property indoors and keep your doors and windows locked when not in use.Fit quality locks with strong locking bars to doors and windows. If padlocks are used make sure they are robust.Protect windows with metal grilles or consider blocking them up completely if this is possible.Mark and register your property with Theft Stop. This provides traceability for your property and an obvious deterrent of criminality. Install sensor-controlled ‘dusk ’til dawn’ security lights.Consider CCTV as additional security for vulnerable areas.Consider an audible and monitored intruder alarm system from a reputable installer. Talk to your local crime prevention officers about appropriate measures or contact the Crime Prevention Executive at the IFA.Consider joining a local text alert system to work with others in your area and An Garda Siochana to promote safer farming communities and help reduce crime.BOUNDARY SECURITY
Look closely at the perimeter of your property. Remove fully all gates that are no longer in use. If possible establish a single entrance and exit.Put a second inner gate at the ‘private’ end of your farm entrance.Plant thorn hedges as natural boundaries.Dig deep ditches to restrict vehicle access.Invert and cap gate hinges so gates cannot be lifted off, use good padlocks with covers that cannot be cut off and ensure fixing bolts cannot be removed. NB: Do not overlook simple precautions like this. In the middle of the day, in the Kildare area, burglars lifted heavy wooden gates off their hinges and stole a horse box. So please, take as many precautions as you possibly can.Consider temporary restriction of gates that are not in regular use.Use locking posts to control large openings to yards.If possible cattle grids should be removable and locked out of position when not in use.Consider installing an entry control system – intercom or keypad entry. MACHINERY SECURITY
Store vehicles and equipment out of sight. If stored outside, keep them locked at all times when not in use.Keep the keys with you or in a locked key safe in designated area.Where possible park vehicles in a well-lit location overnight. Consider having this area monitored.All property, including vehicles, should be photographed and recorded with Theft Stop. Include serial, chassis and model numbers as well as any other distinguishing features.Consider a tracking device or data-tracking chip for high-value items.TRESPASSERS
Review your current boundary security arrangements to make it as difficult as possible for people to gain access.Consider putting up signs aimed at trespassers.Verify the identity of all visitors to the farm. One access point facilitates this.Take note of vehicle registrations where you notice anything suspicious and forward to An Garda Siochana as soon as possible.If you can do it without concern for your safety, video record/photograph an incident when it occurs.Consider your personal safety before approaching any individuals.Talk to your local crime prevention officers about appropriate measures and or the Crime Prevention Executive at the IFA