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Around your farm yard, in your barns and outbuildings there is a valuable equipment that will appeal to thieves e.g. power tools, quad bikes, machinery and diesel. Isolated buildings, machinery and livestock present the greatest risk. Tips to consider Farm buildings Make sure valuable equipment is stored in a secure building behind a strong locked door or use a metal cage and keep it locked when unattended.Use locks that comply with the British standards, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks.Windows can be an open invitation to thieves, protect them with metal bars or grilles.Improve security for your diesel and fertiliser. Farmhouses Farmhouses are often in isolated locations and can be vulnerable to crime if not properly secured. Make sure that doors and kept locked, even when you are on the premises.Fit locks to all ground floor windows.Fit mortice deadlocks that comply with the British standards to al external doors and reinforce with locking bolts.Invest in timers that turn lights on and off inside the house if you go out at night and consider installing security lighting outside.Consider fitting an alarm. Perimeter A secure perimeter around your fields and outbuildings will help deter thieves from targeting livestock, vehicles and implements.Check fencing and hedging to identify weak spots that could provide unauthorised access to criminals or vehicles and secure where necessary.Consider perimeter alarms. Machinery and tools Machinery and tools are very valuable to thieves so try and secure your property.Lock or immobilise vehicles and equipment when not in use. Remove keys from cars, tractors and other vehicles left unattended.Visibly mark your machinery and tools, this not only acts as a deterrent to thieves but also helps the police reunite stolen property to the rightful owners if it is recovered. Keep a list of tools, together with serial numbers and any identifying marks. You can do this at www.immobilise.comItems such as quad bikes, sit on lawn mowers, rotivators etc, are very desirable to thieves. Consider shackling them together or chain to a hitch secured to the ground or strong fabric of a building making them difficult to remove.Visibly mark all equipment. In an emergency please call 999. If you have information about a crime or anyone you suspect may be involved in criminality, then please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk. If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website: www.crimestoppers-uk.org Thank you for your help. It is only by the police and the public working together that we can prevent and detect crime. | 
