Security in remote locations
According to the 2019 Rural Crime Report, crimes affecting remote, rural locations have risen by over 12 per cent, costing an additional £10 million over the last two years.
The good news is that the security systems and technology now available to protect remote and isolated locations is also improving and becoming less expensive.
In the past, one of the reasons that thieves have targeted remote locations such as farms, warehouses or isolated homes is that lack of electricity often meant that security cameras were either not installed or were less reliable. For this reason it is perhaps unsurprising that half of burglaries are related to non domestic buildings such as sheds, garages and outhouses.
Today, however there is an array of high-tech security devices and systems available which can help secure rural businesses and homes.
These include sensors which send an alert to a mobile phone if someone enters the farm yard or a building, or if a farm machine moves beyond the farm boundary. CCTV with multiple cameras linked to a phone or a screen in a central and monitored location can also identify whether a sudden noise at night is just a rogue cat or fox or a genuine intruder.
CCTV
Stand-alone CCTV systems are one option we can help with. These are designed to be used in remote locations that have no access to power supplies. They can be used equally effectively inside or outside. Images can be recorded onto a SD memory card within the unit or even sent to a PC or mobile device which is monitored by you or your staff, or by our team.
Security Alarms
For remote locations, wireless burglar alarms work in the same way as traditional wired alarms but remove the need for cable installation. Helpfully, they can also be more difficult for potential intruders to disable as there are no wires to cut.
Alarm Receiving Centres
Also useful for remote locations are remote signaling alarms which send alerts to an Alarm Receiving Centre, such as our premises where we offer a 24 hour monitoring service. If an alarm is confirmed to be a genuine intruder, the ARC will then notify a third party (either another property key holder, or the police). It’s important to note that if you want the police to be notified, it must be installed, monitored and maintained in line with ACPO (Association of Chief of Police Officers) policy.
Signs
If you opt for any of these security measures, remember to place signage warning thieves that your property is protected by CCTV and alarm systems. Locate the signs near any public roads as they will act as a deterrent to would-be thieves or vandals.
Doors and locks
While surveillance and alarms can help, fitting secure doors and locks on remote buildings is always important due to the time it will take security officers or staff to arrive on scene. Strong padlocks and deadbolts are time consuming and difficult for burglars to break through and you should also consider fitting covers to your padlocks to help stop intruders from cutting them open.
Remember, even with the strongest lock, a door is only as strong as the hinges. If these are weak, a thief will find it easy to remove the door, so consider fitting reinforced or inverted hinges. If a gate or door is not in use very often, you could also consider parking a vehicle or heavy object in front of it.
Security tagging
For equipment such as agricultural equipment or vehicles such as bikes, or quad bikes, security tagging is an option. Security tags work by emitting a high frequency radio signal. When a tag breaches the security zone (for example the property boundaries) it will set off an alarm. This can be turned on or off by a systems administrator.
If you would like more information or a free consultation to help improve security at a remote location, call us on 01726 65636 or email us at security@waldons.co.uk
