Preventing theft on your farm during the holidays

Are you going away over the festive season? Three leaders in agriculture and security explain how common sense, technology, and good relationships with neighbours can help protect your possessions. Glenneis Kriel reports.

- Glenneis Kriel

If you’re considering going away over the December holidays, you may want to think again. Dr. Florence Nherera-Chokuda, head of farmer support and development at the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation, explains that theft of stock and other assets usually escalates from October until December, with high meat and food prices supporting this trend.

“Rather invite your family and friends to celebrate Christmas on the farm, and then take a break a week or two later in January, once things have settled. If you have no choice, try not to stay away for more than five days,” she suggests.

Major-General Chris van Zyl, general manager of TAU SA, agrees: “You preferably don’t want to be away from the farm over Christmas, as stock theft syndicates won’t take a break, and people tend to steal more for the pot during this time.

“Over the years, we’ve also found that stock theft tends to peak when there’s a full moon, over weekends, and at the start and end of the month.” Whenever you decide to go on leave, though, there are several key preventative measures you should take: don’t make it obvious you are away and your house is empty; secure the premises; harness the goodwill and local knowledge of the community, and get the insurance that covers you against loss.

SIGNS OF LIFE