Opportunities in TAMS for improving farm security - ICMSA
Farmers are being urged to use the the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) to help improve farm security.
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) farm business committee chairperson, Pat O'Brien said there are opportunities for farmers to use existing farm investment schemes to improve security.
Under the TAMS 3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme, wiring/rewiring of agricultural buildings is eligible, along with yard lights.
"Farmers should consider how they can use these investments to improve both safety and security around the farmyard," O'Brien said.
"Replacement of a hinged door or sheeted gate with a new sliding door or roller door on agricultural buildings is also covered under the scheme.
"While the purpose of the investment is primarily farm safety, there is no reason why farmers can't also consider the security benefits."
Trespassers
O'Brien has also told farmers to be aware of their rights when dealing with trespassers while taking simple, practical steps to protect their farms from theft and unwanted access.
He said the Wildlife Act 1976 is becoming increasingly relevant as incidents of unauthorised access to farmland continue.
"Anyone claiming a right to be on private land must be able to demonstrate that they have permission to do so under the act," the farm business chairperson said.
"We’ve known for years that trespassers enter land pretending to be hunters, when they’re really just scouting the place."
Proactive approach
ICMSA said it held a "very productive" meeting recently with Superintendent Michael Corbett of An Garda Síochána, the country's first rural crime lead.
O'Brien said what emerged from the meeting was the importance of farmers taking a proactive approach to farm security.
"Too often, keys are left in the ignition of tractors, jeeps and other machinery," he said.
"You may as well open the gate for thieves as they're driving out.
"Using simple deterrents such as lock boxes can impede these individuals.
"Cameras, lighting, and sensor lights can also be installed relatively cheaply and are an effective deterrent to would-be thieves.
"A good dog is important too. It’s the simple things."
O'Brien said most crime is opportunistic.
"Farmers should take the number of any suspicious vehicle immediately and report it," he said.
"When it comes to securing farm boundaries, a good hawthorn hedge is as good as any fence. Well-maintained boundaries are one of the best deterrents to unwanted access."
Technology
O'Brien also encouraged farmers to consider microdot technology, which has become increasingly popular in the UK.
The system allows farmers to apply thousands of small identification dots to machinery, tools and other valuable equipment.
Each microdot sequence is linked to a secure database, making stolen property easier to identify.
"Microdot technology is a simple, cost-effective deterrent that has proven successful elsewhere," O'Brien said.
"We would certainly encourage farmers to consider it as part of a wider farm security strategy."
The ICMSA has also advised farmers to contact their local Garda crime prevention officer and seek advice on securing their property.
"It's a free service and it's definitely worth taking advantage of," O'Brien added.
"Sometimes you are too close to your own farm to see the weaknesses, but a fresh pair of eyes can identify simple changes that can make a real difference."
