FOLLOWING a spate of high-value thefts across the country, farmers are being urged to be on their guard and step up the measures they take to protect their property.
In recent weeks, NFU Scotland has been made aware of farms being targeted by thieves, and they are now asking those in the agricultural industry to take the time to make sure their locks are secure, their equipment is put away safely at the end of the working day, and that they try to take simple measures to deter thieves.
Recent thefts on farms have included a £70,000 tractor from a North-east farm, a high-value tractor and forklift stolen from a Fife farm, and various equipment and machinery stolen in the East Lothian area.
The union has has been working with Police Scotland over the last 18 months to encourage farmers and crofters to make their farms and crofts more secure and to report anything suspicious to police on 101.
Various events have been held by NFUS in conjunction with partner agencies to assist the industry in deterring thieves, including ensuring padlocks are fit for purpose, CCTV is fully functional and floodlighting is working.
NFU Scotland policy manager, Gemma Cooper, said: “As the nights draw in, it can be all too easy for people to become complacent about security, making them the ideal target for opportunist thieves.
“According to NFU Mutual, last year alone rural crime cost Scotland £1.7m with the most commonly targeted items by thieves over the last 12 months being quad bikes, tools from farms and businesses and oil and diesel.
“Farmers are having to stay one step ahead of thieves and face a continual battle to protect their property.
“It is only by continually reviewing and improving their own practices and security features that will allow them to ward off thieves.
“Our key advice is to make sure security equipment is fully operational, all machinery, and equipment, including trailers, are locked away in sheds or buildings overnight and the keys stored away from windows and main doors in houses.
“By making time to take simple precautions now could save you a lot of time, money and hassle in the future,” pointed out Ms Cooper.