ONLINE SEARCHES for ‘farm theft’ have increased by almost 30% in the past year, with more farms being targeted post-lockdown.

Research by off-grid energy supplier Flogas found that google searches for ‘farm theft’ hit a high in 2021 – 73% higher than its six year average, highlighting rising concerns amongst the farming community.

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Flogas has explored some of the main solutions for combatting rural theft in the UK, initially focusing on agricultural vehicle theft which contributes to £9.1m in losses every year – with tractors being more accessible and valuable targets for criminals.

The energy supplier explained that tractors can be scrapped for valuable engineering parts, sold on the black market, or even shipped abroad. They point to a lack of preventative measures such as poor surveillance and protection, which can allow thieves to easily infiltrate and steal equipment.

Flogas advises farmers to invest in lights and CCTV equipment to deter theft, and in the event that equipment is stolen, they highlight the benefits of alarms to raise awareness of ongoing theft and to track down the location of vehicles to aid with recovery of stolen goods.

Livestock theft costs the UK £2.3 million every year and according to Flogas is one of the most ‘disheartening aspects of rural crime’.

“It is not only distressing for owners but for the animals themselves. Gangs or thieves may steal livestock for their pedigree or for slaughter. It can include the theft of sheep, pigs, cattle, and working dogs.

“To avoid livestock theft, you should ensure that all livestock is marked and up to date. This ensures that livestock has a recognisable owner. Furthermore, livestock should be kept in grazing fields away from roads. This prevents thieves from making a quick getaway.”

Turning to domestic oil theft, Flogas point out this is a major problem particularly in off-grid communities.

“Thieves will decant, syphon, or pump oil from your domestic tank to use themselves or to sell. As some oil tanks are outside homes, targets can be easily identified,” said a representative from the energy supplier.

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“Like agricultural vehicle theft, domestic oil theft can be deterred with simple solutions. Of course, CCTV can be used to identify intruders. However, modern solutions may help your rural home become more sustainable and avoid theft. An oil to gas conversion removes your oil-fired heating, using liquid gas to power utilities and heat the property instead. There are more benefits to switching to liquid gas too; not only is it harder to steal, but it’s also a cleaner and more sustainable fuel.”

They point out that another benefit of LPG is that it can be placed in an underground tank, further aiding anti-theft considerations.