Protecting Agricultural Assets: Essential Farm Security Systems
With rural crime on the rise, there’s never been a more important time for farm owners to upgrade their security systems. Having an interconnected security system will not only help you react quickly to break-ins, but it will also provide a deterrent against potential criminals.
There are also practical benefits of farm security systems to consider, as you’ll be able to remotely monitor every corner of your farm.
In this article, we’ll further discuss why security systems are vital for rural areas and farms. We’ll also mention each component of a farm security system and how it will be of benefit to you.
Why do farms need security systems?
You may think of burglaries and vandalism as being traditionally inner city issues. However, rural farmland is very much vulnerable too, with the large expanse of land making it easier for those who break in to go undetected.
With a full security system on your side, you’ll have an excellent deterrent, as well as a method of capturing evidence if the worst were to happen. After all, theft of farming machinery, livestock, vehicles and fuel tanks is an ever-growing problem in rural areas across Northamptonshire.
A loss of assets can be fatal for a farmer’s business, with profit margins being tighter than ever.
Other reasons to have a farm security system
Having security equipment installed around your farm isn’t just beneficial in dealing with agricultural crime. It can also be installed for practical reasons. These include monitoring the health of livestock, finding animals that have gone walkabout and checking the overall conditions of the farm from afar.
Installing a security system may also help to bring down insurance costs, as you’ll be proving that you’ve taken necessary steps to keep assets safe. In some cases, farm owners will need to take security steps to comply with UK safety regulations regarding worker safety.
Components of farm security systems
When you’re trying to protect a vast agricultural area, it helps to have multiple components to your security system. While it helps to have top-of-the-range security technology, you can also add some traditional security methods into your system, such as reinforced fencing.
CCTV
CCTV not only provides you with clear evidence of the crime that has taken place, it also works as a deterrent. If an intruder spots that your farm is dotted with cameras, they will be less likely to want to risk breaking in.
For a rural CCTV system, you’ll have to go about your strategy differently. It will help to have a solar-powered CCTV system, as power may be limited in rural areas. You’ll also want to invest in night vision cameras, as they will keep remote, dark farmland protected around the clock.
Alarms
A motion detector alarm system will be able to sense any movement in unauthorised spaces. This will alert you, and in some cases the authorities, allowing for a quick response if someone were to break in.
Depending on your system, the triggering of the alarms will automatically kick the CCTV cameras into gear, helping you capture as much evidence as possible.
Perimeter Intrusion Detection (PID)
If you own a large farm, it can be impossible to detect if someone has entered the far-reaching corners of your land. Perimeter Intrusion Detection systems use a variety of technologies to detect any movement across your land boundaries.
This technology includes infrared beams and buried sensors. If movement is detected, it will alert both you and the intruder, so you can be on high alert if someone were to break in.
Access control systems
Access control systems are highly useful for blocking entry into the most important areas of your farm. These can be buildings where you store machinery or the stock that is ready to sell. Access control systems will keep these buildings locked until an authorized person comes along.
Access control systems come in many forms. Some may require a four to six-digit PIN, while others may be a little more sophisticated and use biometrics. Biometric systems can judge your authority with a fingerprint scanner, facial recognition, eye recognition or voice recognition.
Automatic lights
Perhaps less sophisticated, but effective nonetheless, lights that automatically turn on when they sense motion can spook intruders. Having a light shone on them will expose their position and give them a sense they are being watched. These lighting systems won’t capture evidence, but they will provide a deterrent.
Strong fences and gates
Fences and gates will be your first line of defence against intruders, so it will help if they’re strong and secure. Always check for holes around the far perimeter that may usually go unnoticed. If you do spot an issue with fences or gates, be sure to rectify it immediately.
Door reinforcements
Another security measure that tends to go under the radar is the reinforcement of doors. Switching to strong steel doors with fully reinforced frames and hinges will make entry points less vulnerable to forced entry.
Installing strong locks and latches on reinforced doors is an added method of preventing forced entries.
While each of the above security methods will help bolster the safety of your farm, combining them will further improve your results. Modern integrated security systems will allow you to monitor your property from wherever you are at all times of day and night.
Trust Incognito Systems to keep your rural assets safe
In times of increased crime against the agricultural sector, it’s never been as important to invest in the security of your farm. At Incognito Systems, we have all the expertise and equipment you need to protect your assets from theft and vandalism.
We have been keeping properties across Northamptonshire safe since 2017, offering watertight security solutions for homes and businesses. All of our systems are bespoke and tailored to your exact needs, ensuring every inch of your farmland is monitored.
Give your farm the protection it deserves. Get in touch with us today for more information about how we can keep your farm safe and secure.
