THE UFU is supporting the PSNI in urging farmers and those living in rural communities to review the security of their homes garages, barns outbuildings and yards.
Many farms, by their nature, are in isolated areas and the police are urging rural communities to work with them to prevent crime, and deter criminals over the summer months.
Crime Prevention Officer, Constable Dean McAuley, said: "It is important t
hat people who live in rural locations work together to make the countryside safer by reporting promptly to the police any suspicious activity they happen to notice in their area.
"This could be a strange van travelling on roads in the area, or someone calling and asking for directions. Remember that these could well be criminals checking out what's on offer, what vehicles they will need to transport the machinery they intend to steal, and the level of farm security.
"Criminals are always on the lookout for valuable items that they can easily re-sell. Quads, trailers and other items of farm machinery should therefore be kept locked away in garages or outbuildings, when not in use. And, for added security, people should consider locking gates, using British Standard shackled padlocks, at yards and on laneways to prevent unauthorised vehicular access.
"Preventing crime and being switched on to crime prevention will help to protect your property and deter those involved in this type of crime. Don't make it easy for them. Putting frequently used machines away and locking up sheds and outbuildings may seem like a chore you can do without, but it won't be as inconvenient and having an important and valuable item stolen.
"Make your equipment unique to you by permanently marking all items with your postcode and house number. The marking should be placed on parts of the equipment that will be difficult for the thieves to disguise or expensive for them to replace. Remember to take a photograph of the machinery and keep a list of makes, models, serial numbers, colour and a record of any damage. Owners should also seriously consider using anti-theft systems such as security tagging, and electronic tracking devices in addition to wheel clamps and hitch locks.
"Reports of oil and diesel thefts from farmyards are becoming more common. Make sure tanks are locked, and are situated in well-lit areas.
"Keep receipts from the latest delivery and check the oil level regularly. Any oil drums should be locked away in a secure building," he added.
UFU spokesperson and Coleraine farmer, Cyril Millar, added: "Farmers should also give some thought to the security of their livestock, and in addition to keeping records of stock numbers and making regular checks to ensure all is in order, farmers should also record the colour and location of dye markings.
"Where sheep are concerned owners should consider the benefits of the retinal eye scanning system that was first trialled in North Antrim. Access to fields should not be overlooked either, and here too gates leading to fields should be securely locked at all times."
Anyone who would like further crime prevention advice on this or any other subject is asked to contact their local crime prevention officer. The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000.
