Farmers In North East Warned of Thefts from Outbuildings
Farmers are being urged to be vigilant following a number of Thefts from farm outbuildings
in the Banff and Peterhead area of Aberdeenshire.
North East Division Crime Reduction Officer Constable Richard Russell said:
"With dark nights upon us it provides further opportunities for thieves to target
farms and steadings knowing high value items are often kept on the premises.
"I ask Farmers to consider how a thief may enter your site and how easy it might
be for them to gain entry to your buildings and vehicles. Discourage a thief from
approaching your premises by closing and locking yard gates. Ensure adequate lighting
covers the yard and doors to outbuildings. A number of security devices are now on the
market which alert and relay live footage of your CCTV to your mobile telephone.
"Store portable tools such as chain saws, jet washers and welders in a secure locked
"cage" where possible and ensure any padlocks or chains are of a good quality. Thieves
might be reluctant to use power tools to cut open heavy locks due to noise created and
something that takes time to remove will also act as a deterrent.
"Farmers are busy individuals who work long hours but it is important to have a
daily routine of locking outbuildings and securing vehicles at the end of each day.
Be more controlling over keys, where they are kept and who has access to them.
Speak to your neighbours and encourage each other to report any suspicious activity.
If something feels not quite right – it probably isn’t.
"I would encourage people living and working in rural communities to sign up to
receive crime alerts in their area by joining the Neighbourhood Watch Alert scheme."
Further security advice can be found on the Police Scotland website.
Original Message Sent By Richard Russell (Police, Constable, North East Division)
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