Getting your hands dirty, connecting with nature and supplying quality produce to people around the world. There’s much to love about farming – whether it’s a massive working farm, or a small hobby one.

However, there’s a fair amount of risk involved too, especially when it comes to security. This article has some farm security tips for properties of all sizes. But first, what’s the challenge for farmers?

Farms are vulnerable to property crime:

Farms are an easy target for intruders – as it’s difficult for farmers to monitor buildings, livestock, plants and equipment that’s spread across acres of land.

You can only be in one place at once, after all.

Wait, isn’t that what cameras and alarms are for?

Yes, but mostly for urban properties (farms, not so much).

Farms have many hard-to-reach areas that cannot be accessed easily by surveillance systems that are connected to the electricity grid, because the cables don’t go that far (or are too expensive to install over vast land). Unfortunately, trespassers take full advantage of these blind spots. The National Farm Crime Survey found that 17% of surveyed farms were targeted by a crime in their 2002-03 survey. This was even more prevalent for remote farms, or farms larger than 5000 hectares.

What does this damage look like?

• Livestock theft
• Illegal hunting
• Stealing tools, machinery, fuel, vehicles, and equipment
• Illegal dumping of waste
• Vandalism attempts
• Activists trespassing

And the costs are high:

On NSW farms, for example, the theft of sheep and cattle cost farmers over $3.2 million in 2008, according to NSW Police.

Farmers spend thousands to millions of dollars on equipment, livestock, buildings and computer software. It would be devastating to lose even a fraction of this investment.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect your farm by deterring intruders; as well as holding them accountable if they do break in.

Some of this involves setting up a sophisticated security system, but there are other steps you can take too.

Farm security tips – how to protect your property:

Solar powered security cameras

Intruders are less likely to target properties with real security systems. We know this from interviews with detained burglars.

However, as previously mentioned, it’s difficult to monitor large areas with security cameras that use conventional energy sources (due to equipment logistics).

Thankfully sunshine is an abundant resource in Australia, and just what solar powered security cameras need to effectively monitor hard-to-reach places.

There’s no need for cables or a power grid.

How does it work?

Solar panels capture the sunlight, which is then converted into an electrical current that’s used by the camera and rechargeable batteries to constantly record and store CCTV footage in a central monitoring system.

This is all wireless, mind you. A Wi-Fi signal sends out an alert if there’s suspicious activity and authorised users can view live footage.

What happens if there’s no internet signal?

It doesn’t matter. The camera will still record footage and store it on the SD card for delayed viewing (you just won’t be able to view a live stream, or receive notifications).

What happens when there isn’t enough sunlight?

Again, it doesn’t matter.

The system still runs smoothly, even at night or on cloudy days – and with crystal clear vision too. This is because the rechargeable batteries store power (literally for a rainy day).

At Land Watch Australia, we specialise in wireless solar security cameras, so we could talk about this topic for days. However, we want to give you some other farm security tips too – separate from what we do.

Alarm systems

If you can, it’s a good idea to install alarms on buildings and storage sheds.

It’s fine to use conventional alarm systems for areas that have access to the power grid. Similarly, wireless alarms that require high speed internet work well in areas where the Wi-Fi signal is strong.

But if you’re located out in the sticks (far away from electricity or the internet), neither of these options will cut it for you.

In such cases, look for a wireless system that can operate without Wi-Fi or cellular signals. You may need to shop around a bit, as they’re not as readily available as other alarms, but do exist.

These systems are connected to the internet of Things (loT), which is a secure and global network that powers wireless systems even in the most isolated environments.

However, don’t worry if this isn’t a viable option for you, as there are many other steps you can take to protect your farm.

Warning signage

Put signs in highly visible areas (such as fence lines and gates) to warn intruders to keep off your property. Examples include “no trespassing”, “no hunting without permission” and “private property”.

Security lighting

Install motion-detector and security lights around your property. Not only does this alert you to movement outside (if you’re nearby), it’s sometimes enough to alarm intruders too. Regularly check all lights to make sure they’re working properly, and change them if required.

Never leave your keys in parked vehicles

Don’t make it easy for trespassers to steal your vehicles. Consider not storing keys in obvious places too (such as a key rack at the front door), as anyone who breaks into the building will easily guess where they can find the keys.

Keep accurate records for livestock, tools and equipment

Firstly, tagging your livestock is one way to scare away thieves, as they know they won’t be able to get away with reselling the animals without questions being asked about how they acquired the stock.

Create a register that contains images and descriptions of the animals, to help with proof of ownership. This tip applies to vehicles, tools and other valuables too.

Locks, locks and more locks

Lock all gates, doors and windows with heavy duty locks, chains and padlocks.

Although this won’t deter the most persistent intruders, it could cause others to think twice and leave (because they don’t want to risk getting caught if they linger around).

Go one step further and lock away all tools, equipment and firearms when you’re not using them. Don’t leave valuable or dangerous items in areas that can be easily reached by intruders or children.

Get insurance for your farm

Theft, storm damage, fires, disease, vandalism and pests – there are many threats to farms. The right insurance provides a safety net of sorts, covering your farm for property damage, losses, claims and lawsuits (this differs depending on each policy). 
Be vigilant about cyber security!

Don’t neglect to protect your financial data and business records that are stored on your computer, as this is exactly what cyber criminals are looking for. Keep all passwords in a safe place and install the latest virus protection too. This article has more detailed online security tips for farmers.

More steps you can take to protect your farm

NSW Police has created this document with practical advice on keeping your farm safe from intruders (it applies to properties in any state or territory). Take some time to read it, as there are some ideas in there which are fairly easy to implement in a timely manner.

And finally, if you want to find out more about solar surveillance cameras, we have you covered.