Rural crime prevention

There’s a variety of things you can do to protect your property, land and livestock.

Equipment and tool security
Equipment and tool security can be a particular issue for rural businesses and farms.

To keep your belongings safe:

lock equipment away in a secure building or part of a building when not in use
invest in a secure storage toolbox
install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept
always lock vehicles when left outside and keep the keys in your possession
keep expensive items and vehicles out of sight when not in use
consider using hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors
mark your tools and equipment and register them
keep a record of all valuable items
consider fitting outside security lights

Estate and building security
A good standard of building security is very important in rural areas, especially for outbuildings that may not be visited for weeks at a time.

Farmhouses and other rural properties are the same as any other home, so general home security advice still applies. However, because of the remote location, additional security measures may be beneficial.

To protect your rural home or business:

keep the boundaries of your land and property well-maintained and secure
keep all doors and windows shut and locked when not in use
install a visible burglar alarm
make sure windows and door frames are secure and in good repair
fit strong locks to sheds, garages and outbuildings
fit good quality window locks
consider security bars and grilles for vulnerable windows and openings
make sure gates cannot be lifted off or have their fixing bolts removed
check security equipment regularly to ensure it works properly
use locking posts or temporary obstructions to control wide access points to yards

For additional security you could also:

install automatic security lights that come on at dusk and turn off at dawn
install CCTV cameras to watch over the most vulnerable areas of the property
install a monitored intruder alarm system
install an entry control system infrared, intercom or keypad
establish a single gated entrance and exit, removing all private access points that are not in use