TAMS grants can help with cost of some security measures
Farmers encouraged to consider 'microdot' technology to make it easier to identify stolen vehicles.
Farmers are being urged to refresh their knowledge of their rights as landowners when dealing with trespassers on farms and consider the security benefits of grant measures.
The chairperson of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) Farm Business Committee, Pat O'Brien, said farmers can take simple practical steps to protect their farms from theft and trespassers.
He said the Wildlife Act 1976 is becoming increasingly relevant as incidents of unauthorised access to farmland continue.
"Anyone claiming a right to be on private land must be able to demonstrate that they have permission to do so under the act… We’ve known for years that trespassers enter land pretending to be hunters, when they’re really just scouting the place,” Mr O’Brien said.
What emerged from a meeting between Mr O’Brien and Superintendent Michael Corbett of An Garda Síochána and Ireland’s first Rural Crime Lead was the importance of farmers taking a proactive approach to farm security.
"Too often, keys are left in the ignition of tractors, jeeps and other machinery. You may as well open the gate for thieves as they're driving out. Using simple deterrents such as lock boxes can impede these individuals.
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"Cameras, lighting, and sensor lights can also be installed relatively cheaply and are an effective deterrent to would-be thieves. A good dog is important too; it’s the simple things,” Mr O’Brien explained.
Mr O'Brien noted that there are opportunities for farmers to use existing farm investment schemes to improve security.
"Wiring, rewiring and yard lights are eligible investments under the TAMS Farm Safety Scheme, and we have seen 100% approval under the scheme in previous tranches. Farmers should consider how they can use these investments to improve both safety and security around the farmyard.”
He also highlighted that the replacement of a hinged door or sheeted gate with a new sliding door or roller door on agricultural buildings is also covered under the scheme. Despite the purpose of the scheme being primarily farm safety, Mr O’Brien said: “There is no reason why farmers can't also consider the security benefits.”
Highlighting that most crime is opportunistic, Mr O'Brien encourages farmers to note down and report suspicious vehicles, while planting hawthorn hedge rows can be a simple deterrent as opposed to a fence.
Mr O'Brien also encouraged farmers to consider ‘microdot’ technology, which has become increasingly popular in the UK.
The system allows farmers to apply thousands of small identification dots to machinery, tools and other valuable equipment. Each microdot sequence is linked to a secure database, making stolen property easier to identify.
"Microdot technology is a simple, cost-effective deterrent that has proven successful elsewhere. We would certainly encourage farmers to consider it as part of a wider farm security strategy," Mr O'Brien said.
“It is about making it as difficult as possible for thieves to access your machinery and equipment,” he continued.
Mr O'Brien strongly advised farmers to contact their local Garda crime prevention officer and seek advice on securing their property.
"These people are trained to identify the weaknesses in your farm. Whether it's something in the farmyard or a back gate 700 metres away, they'll spot it.
"It's a free service, and it's definitely worth taking advantage of. Sometimes you are too close to your own farm to see the weaknesses, but a fresh pair of eyes can identify simple changes that can make a real difference," Mr O'Brien concluded.
