New crime prevention event targets rural communitues

Around 70 local farmers, landowners and game keepers recently attended a new kind of rural crime prevention event in North Herts.

Hosted by the Herts Police Rural Operational Support Team (ROST), the National Farmers Union (NFU) and officers from the Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team, the event took place at Hyde Hall Farm in Sandon, on Thursday 16th of February.

 “Following a number of thefts from farms in the area at the end of last year, in which a tractor, quad bikes, trailers, a caravan and other plant had been stolen from locations around Baldock and Royston, we decided to organise an event in which farmers and landowners had access to specific crime prevention advice and help, all in one place,” explained PCSO Chris Brabrook from the Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“Fortunately, we were able to recover many of the stolen items, but we wanted to try and help farmers and landowners keep their property as secure as possible, to try and prevent further thefts.”

Organisations specialising in crime prevention equipment such as CCTV and tracing systems were invited to attend, along with representatives from the NFU, and  National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS). Each organisation gave a short presentation to small groups and the attendees rotated round the different stands.

“We were delighted by the number of attendees, who came from all over the North Herts area,” said Tim Armstrong from ROST. “The feedback from the event has been really positive. It also allowed us to catch up with our rural community, chat through any issues and share learning.”

Rosalind David from the NFU added: “It was a tremendous effort from all parties to bring together this event, which focussed on practical and hands on advice with plenty of interaction and discussion. 

“The message we wanted to impart was one of prevention and disruption, making equipment or locations difficult to target using cost effective, innovative or technology driven solutions.  The best approach is to stop people in their tracks with an effective alarm, sensors and light system with real time alerts to phones, even before they have broken in or tampered with equipment. 

“Hopefully the attendees have learnt plenty to put into practice back on the farm, yard or community space people they wish to protect.”

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