Shropshire farmers step up security to tackle rural crime

Farmers across Shropshire are turning to alarms, tracking devices and other security systems in a bid to beat the rising tide of rural crime.

Hi-tech security kits are being snapped up by farmers across the county to protect oil tanks, outbuildings, machinery and other high-value items from thieves. Bosses at Market Drayton-based DJG Technology say that 2011 has been a record year for sales of such devices.

Sales of their alarms and tracking systems are up by 20 per cent compared to 12 months ago.

Farmers today welcomed the availability of hi-tech security systems as a way of combating the threat posed by so-called 'agri-crime'.

David Greaves, DJG's managing director, said: "There's been an increase in rural crime generally and the business I run tries to help combat that on farms and around homes.

"We do that with technology such as fuel tank alarms that will set off an audible sound if anyone messes around with a diesel tank.

"There are also long-distance alert systems that will work on farms and outbuildings up to half a mile away."

Mr Greaves, who worked as a special constable in Market Drayton for 18 years, launched the business in 2008.

Mr Greaves said: "It's now very much become a priority from their point of view and we're looking at moving further, with new initiatives to tackle oil and diesel theft."

Figures released earlier this year by one of the UK's leading rural insurers, NFU Mutual, showed that thefts cost the West Midlands agricultural industry almost £10 million last year.

Peter Clifton, a farmer from Childs Ercall, near Market Drayton, said: "I think about farm security every morning when I go to my sheds and wonder if anyone has been in them.

"I'm thinking about putting in some security systems around all the outbuildings."