Farmers are being encouraged to take additional precautions to protect themselves from becoming victims of rural crime.

This comes as authorities look to raise awareness and decrease rural crime during National Crime Action Week across the UK.

Amanda Wallbank, from Carlisle-based H&H Insurance Brokers said: “As the clocks go back and the long, dark evenings draw in, many people living in isolated, rural locations can often feel more vulnerable during the winter months.

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“Being targeted by criminals looking to steal vehicles and equipment is a constant worry for farmers. It’s not just the fact that they could lose a valuable piece of equipment which will impact on their ability to do their job, but the knowledge that someone has trespassed on their property to take it. It means there’s often an emotional cost to rural crime as well as a financial one.

Amanda recommends several security measures, including storing equipment in a secure building when not in use, investing in a sturdy storage toolbox, and always locking vehicles while removing the keys. She also advises marking and registering tools and equipment, keeping an inventory of valuable items, and installing CCTV and security lighting.

However, she admitted that despite precautions certain rural appliances will always attract unwanted attention, stating: “Quad bikes and small plant tools unfortunately remain a top target for thieves so it’s worth fitting a tracker or tagging system to your equipment, as well as keeping it locked away when not in use.

“Putting up signage to make potential criminals aware of the additional security measures is another useful deterrent.”

Amanda recently joined H&H Insurance Brokers as an Associate Director, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to the firm that works with farmers in the Scottish Borders, Wales and the North of England.

“Community initiatives such as Farm Watch play a vital role in the fight against rural crime through prevention, education and providing an early warning system for any suspicious activity in the area. Whether it’s sharing practical crime prevention measures or reporting suspicious activity via WhatsApp groups, they show the value in working together as a community to help tackle thefts from farms and make the countryside a safer place for people to live and work.

“If you do see any suspicious activity or are the victim of rural crime, then always report it to the police.”

National Rural Crime Action Week runs until October 25. For more information visit nationalruralcrimenetwork.net