Farm CCTV is one of the best ways to protect a Lincolnshire farm from theft. Lincolnshire is a major farming county, and that makes its farms a target. Remote yards, costly machinery, diesel tanks, GPS kits and livestock all attract thieves. Autumn is also a busy time for rural crime. Harvest kit is in constant use, and the evenings are getting darker. This guide looks at the main risks, and how farm CCTV and other farm security systems can help.
Why thieves target Lincolnshire farms
NFU Mutual’s latest Rural Crime Report puts the UK cost of rural theft at around £41.5 million. The total has fallen, but quad bike and livestock theft have both gone up. Organised gangs also target farms across Lincolnshire. They often scout a site in daylight and come back at night.
Thieves most often take GPS units and screens from tractors and combines. These are small, valuable and easy to sell. Quad bikes, ATVs and utility vehicles are also popular targets. So are tractors, trailers, red diesel, power tools and generators. Livestock theft, especially sheep, is on the rise too.
The cost goes beyond replacing what was taken. A theft can stop work at the busiest time of year. It can push up insurance premiums. It also causes real stress, especially when the farm is also the family home.
What makes good farm CCTV?
A farm is a tough place for cameras. Distances are long, and there is often little or no lighting. Dust, rain and animals all play a part. Outbuildings may also lack power and data. Good farm CCTV is designed around these conditions. It usually includes the features below.
Cameras on every entrance. These record each vehicle that comes onto the site. Number plate cameras can capture registrations clearly, even at night.
Cover for high value areas. Focus on machinery sheds, workshops, fuel tanks, chemical stores and grain stores.
Strong night vision. Most rural theft happens in the dark. Infrared or colour night vision cameras give you clear footage after sunset.
Alerts on your phone. You can check what set off an alert from your phone. That means no walk across the yard at 2am.
Reliable links between buildings. Cables, wireless bridges or point to point links connect distant sheds and yards. We also install data and WiFi networks for remote buildings.
You can learn more on our CCTV systems page.
Farm security systems beyond CCTV
Farm CCTV records what happens. However, the best farm security systems also detect and deter intruders before they take anything.
Intruder alarms. Alarms protect workshops, offices and sheds. Outdoor detectors can also cover yards and approach routes. They can trigger lights, sirens or a phone alert. See our intruder alarms page.
Gates and barriers. A solid gate at the main entrance is a strong deterrent. It makes it far harder to drive machinery off site. See our gates and barriers page.
Access control. Keypads, fobs or intercoms let staff and deliveries in without spare keys. They also keep a record of who came and went. See our access control and door entry page.
Remember fire safety on the farm
Barns, grain stores, workshops and straw stacks all carry serious fire risks. Farms with staff, farm shops or holiday lets also have legal fire safety duties. The GOV.UK guide to workplace fire safety explains who is responsible. A fire risk assessment is the place to start. Our fire alarms can also cover outbuildings and send alerts when nobody is nearby.
Simple steps to take this harvest
First, remove GPS units and screens from machinery when you are not using it. Lock them away. Next, mark and register your machinery and tools. Keep keys away from vehicles and out of sight. Lock fuel tanks, and fit tank alarms if you can. Park machinery out of view of the road. Check gates and fences often. Finally, report any suspicious vehicles to Lincolnshire Police and join a local farm watch scheme.
How EMI helps with farm CCTV and security
EMI Fire and Security is based in Sleaford. We work with farms, estates and agricultural businesses across Lincolnshire. We design each system around how your site works. That could be a single yard camera, or full farm CCTV with alarms, gates and access control. Find out more about the industries we serve, or see our full range of services. You can also get in touch for a free site survey and quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does farm CCTV cost? It depends on the size of the site and the number of cameras. It also depends on how far signals need to travel. A small yard system costs far less than full cover for a large site. We give free, no obligation quotes after a site survey.
Can farm CCTV work without WiFi in every building? Yes. Cables, wireless bridges or point to point links can connect cameras to a recorder. Power can often come from the nearest building with a supply.
Will CCTV lower my insurance premium? Some insurers take security into account. Footage can also support a claim. It is worth asking your insurer what they need.
Can I watch my farm CCTV on my phone? Yes. Modern systems let you view live footage, play back recordings and get motion alerts on your phone.
