The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Farmers are turning to medieval methods in a bid to protect themselves from rising rural crime.
Dry ditches are making a return to our landscape as a way of keeping trespassers off property and preventing burglary or hare coursing.
The most recent survey by NFU Mutual insurance shows that rural crime cost Lincolnshire £2.1m in 2017 and the Midlands lost £8.8m, the biggest amount of any area in the country.
The figures, published on Monday, show that the most targeted items were tools, quad bikes and all-terrain
vehicles. The report also shows that in parts of Lincolnshire farmers are worried about repeat attacks. They are combining medieval methods with modern technology to combat crime.
“Adapting centuries old security with high-tech solutions is already proving successful in keeping at bay thieves who don’t fear being caught on camera and who have the skills to overcome electronic security systems,” said Andre Brown, NFU Mutual senior agent in Lincolnshire.
Earth banks, dry ditches, stockade fences and protected single access points are reappearing.
Digging ditches or installing banks along field boundaries can keep unwanted visitors out while a single entry to the farmyard can be more easily monitored.
“The threat of becoming a victim of rural crime and regular reports of suspicious characters watching farms is causing high levels of anxiety among farmers,” added Andrew.
The cost of crime in the Midlands has risen by 31.8 per cent from £6.7m in 2016 to £8.8m last year, according to the report.
“Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police and Farm Watch scheme,” said the report.
