More farmers investing in security over rural crime fears

Growing fears about crime in the countryside triggered a surge in the number of farmers and rural dwellers who beefed up security measures to protect their homes and businesses from criminals, new research shows.

A survey of nearly 3,000 people who live or work in the countryside revealed that more than half (53%) had installed crime prevention measures in the past 12 months due to an increased fear of crime.

The costly investments included video and infrared CCTV, security lighting and tighter protection for vehicles.