Farmers facing ‘rising tide’ of crime

Farmers are facing a ‘rising tide’ of rural crime, according to new research.

Farm insurers comparison site Quotezone said the estimated bill for rural theft last year was £40.5million, with expensive equipment, vehicles and livestock targeted. Another farm commodity on the criminals’ list is fuel, as the cost of red diesel is almost double what it was the previous year.

However, according to Quotezone, fewer than half the farms sampled, around 41 per cent, actually kept their equipment in a locked garage or barn. Nearly 20 per cent of farmers don’t lock their garages or barns, and 15 per cent of vehicles are left out on unsecure driveways.

The farm vehicle data, which was compiled nationwide across 2022, also shows the average cost of a farm vehicle in 2022 was £13,250.

The comparison site has compiled a list of tips to help with farm security, including: Add and maintain alarms, CCTV systems and security lights, and keep gates locked/vehicle keys with you

Restrict access to yards, installing sturdy gates fixed in concrete or a metal post Paint equipment in distinctive / corporate colours

Consider investing in security devices such as Datatag marking or vehicle trackers Note serial numbers, register and take photographs of expensive items

Be on the lookout for breaches - checking fences, hedges and walls

Join farm and Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Recruitment

PART TIME BOOKKEEPER

One afternoon a week on beef/arable farm. Experience in farming is ideal. Call: 07860 214655 or email: caselygorefarm@ aol.com for more information.

Gardener Wanted

Over Compton, 3 or 4 hours a week, good rate paid. Mostly shrub pruning, weeding, and general tidying. 01935 473458.

Garden help required, 1-2 days per week in established garden in the Donheads, to assist full time gardener. Duties to include grass cutting, strimming, weeding and other general garden/ estate work. Please send cv to kerrylovatt@ hotmail.co.uk.

Cleaning help required. 8hrs per month. Top rate for right person. Tel: 07484 297357.

CLEANER for a family house, near East Knoyle, approx 3 hours twice a week (6 hours total). 01747 830097.

LUNCH-TIME COOK REQUIRED

4 Elderly People. Monday - Friday, Lunch time, one course DT9 3ER. Tel: 01935 816591.

Cleaner wanted for East Knoyle home. 3-4 hours a week. Flexible on day and time, will fit in with you. Contatct: 07743 824049.

PA to assist gentleman with Asperger’s, recovering from stroke. Monday, Wednesday and alternate Sundays 6/6:30 for 75 mins, can vary. Great pay. Contact: 07961 679751 or 07890 543769.

Builders labourer required on large refurbishment project. Start immediately. Contact TA Green Builders 01963 34221.

PART-TIME GENERAL GARDEN, POND AND VEHICLE WORK. 1 or 2 days per week. 7 miles south Sherborne. Call Robert 07768 201472.

STEEL ERECTOR / CLADDER required for Industrial / Agricultural buildings. Experience preferred but not essential as training will be given to the right applicant. Company van available. All local work . Please contact John Guttridge 07860 570258 JDG Structural Steel Ltd.