Rural crime
Growing concern over the rising number of rural thefts and other crimes is casting a dark shadow over life in the English countryside in many areas - but it's not all bad, because farmers and other residents can reduce risks by following some simple, sensible security measures.
And this includes a number of environmentally friendly precautions, such as planting prickly bushes in front of windows and in hedges, as well as allowing noisy ever-alert geese to roam gardens and act as unpaid watchmen at night.
The latest concerns about safety in the countryside are not just in the minds of nervous new residents who have moved out into the countryside from towns and cities recently. NFU Mutual's annual rural crime survey, based on its own claims experience, shows that across the UK the cost of tools and equipment theft rose 16% in 2006, while the cost of tractor and quad bike thefts rose 5.5%.
Incidents across England ranged from the theft of baby alpacas in Hampshire, and sheep in the Dartmoor region to suspected arson when a Shropshire barn was burnt down and even the theft of an allotment shed in that region, as well as the increase in the theft of tractors, quad bikes and other farmyard equipment.
Farmers and other rural home-owners can follow fairly simple - and inexpensive - actions to help protect their properties and reduce the risk of crime.
As well as the traditional methods, such as fitting strong insurance-approved locks to all doors and windows, installing security alarms and erecting security lighting outside, inhabitants can also help prevent crime by just being more alert and taking sensible precautions -maybe thinking a bit laterally as far as garden design is concerned - without raising their costs dramatically.
For example, the police and NFU Mutual regularly warn rural residents to exercise the same sort of care that they would do in the cities - don't leave valuable items, such as jewellery, computers and cameras and other objects that could tempt people lying around in view of potential burglars, keep a record of machinery serial numbers and take the keys out of vehicles when they are unattended.
This applies particularly to quad bikes, which should be kept physically secured with suitable locking devices, or heavy-duty chains and padlocks when not in use, as they are a popular item for thieves these days.
Home-owners should also always keep their gates closed; report any suspicious characters that hanging around the area; and join the local farm or countrywatch scheme.
Keen gardeners can employ their botanical skills to help protect their properties. Garden designers recommend the planting of several different spiky bushes that can provide seasonal beauty, to deter all but the most determined thieves.
As well as the ever-popular rambling roses around windows and the traditional Hawthorn, which is currently in flower, enthusiastic gardeners can also plant the thorny Berberis Julianae on the property's borders, or under windows.
This is a dense, upright, fast growing evergreen with long glossy heavily spined leaves. Spring-flowering, with edible, bloomy, blue-black egg-shaped fruits in autumn, it can be kept low and quickly forms an impenetrable hedge.
Another evergreen bush that will help provide some protection is the easily managed Firethorn (Pyracantha), which has been described by some as "nature's barbed wire" and is well known among garden designers as a plant that is easy to grow and provides colour throughout the year - and will deter intruders, if planted in strategic areas.
Due to the consistently high levels of equipment and other thefts in recent years country people are becoming much more security conscious and this is having a positive impact in many parts of the country.
Basic security measures that are recommended by NFU Mutual include:
Vehicles -
- Remove keys and secure cars, tractors, and other vehicles when unattended
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Use security lighting in yards and drives
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Have the registration number etched on vehicle windows
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Consider tracking devices for more expensive machines/cars
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Physically secure ATVs by means of suitable locking devices or heavy duty security chain and padlocks
Farms and businesses -
- Record machinery serial numbers
- Mark livestock clearly and count them regularly
- Ensure computers are kept in well-secured buildings
- Lock up tools and equipment out of sight
- Be vigilant - lock all gates where possible
Homes -
- Install a NSI approved security alarm system
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Fit and use insurance approved (BS3621) security locks to all perimeter doors
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Fit and use window security locks on ground floor windows and accessible first floor windows
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Fit security heavy-duty padlocks to garages and other outbuildings
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Don't leave valuables on view
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Secure ladders and tools out of sight
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Set timers for lights and radios when you're not at home
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Keep large sums of cash or jewellery in suitable safe protection.
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Keep garden tools secure and out of sight
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Consider outside security lighting protection, suitably installed and located
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