Summer on the farm can mean long, sunny days, bountiful harvests, but also, unfortunately, increased security risks. With longer daylight hours and people vacationing, farms can become more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and even animal escapes. According to the 2023 Rural Crime report by the NFU (National Farmers Union) Mutual, rural crime rose sharply by 22% in 2022.
With the right security cameras for farms and rural spaces, you can have peace of mind knowing that your property is safe and secure. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? This checklist will guide farm owners in selecting the best farm security camera system tailored to their needs.
1. Understand Your Farm’s Summertime Needs
As summer brings more activity around your farm, It's important to keep an eye on public access points, monitor animal well-being with cameras for unsual activity, and protect your equipment with cameras in storage areas. Take a walk around your property and identify potential weak points, such as:
- Entry and exit points
- Livestock areas
- Equipment storage
- Perimeter boundaries
Once you've identified these areas, prioritise them based on their importance and risk. This will help you determine where to install your farm security cameras for maximum effectiveness.
For example, you might have barns, sheds, and workshops that house expensive equipment and machinery. These might be the first structures you would want to protect.
2. Choose the Right Type of Farm Security Camera
Now that you understand your farm's needs, let's explore camera functionalities to help you choose the right type of farm CCTV.
- Resolution: Higher resolution (HD- 4K) offers sharper images for better identification of people or objects.
- Night Vision: Excellent night vision is crucial for capturing activity during low-light hours. Combine this feature with security floodlights to illuminate the dark.
- Weatherproofing: An IP rating of 65 or above ensures your cameras withstand summer heat, rain, dust, etc.
- Field of View: Wider fields of view cover larger areas, but multiple cameras with narrower fields might be better for targeted surveillance.
3. Consider Farm Security Cameras Without WiFi
Farm security cameras that do not rely on WiFi can be a great option for remote locations with limited or unreliable internet connection. This can be achieved with a 4G-capable security camera.
Place these cameras in barns and stables to monitor your animals' well-being. This helps deter potential animal theft and allows you to remotely monitor birthing and calving seasons. Look for cameras with night vision and audio capabilities to capture distress calls from your animals.
4. Benefits of Wireless Farm Security Cameras
Wireless farm security cameras are a popular choice among farm owners due to their flexibility and convenience. You can install these yourself quickly and easily in various locations around your farm to protect high-value machinery like tractors and combines, which are prime targets for thieves.
You can access your camera feeds remotely via smartphones or computers to monitor your farm from anywhere.
5. Incorporate Alarms for Farm Security
Alarms can serve as an additional layer of protection, alerting you to any unauthorised access or suspicious activity on your farm. Opt for motion sensors that detect movement in designated areas and sound alarms with audible alerts to discourage intruders.
Choose cameras that can be integrated with alarms for a comprehensive farm security system.
6. Secure Farm Entrances with Gate Systems
Farm gate security systems are essential for controlling access to your property. Look for automatic gate openers for remote access control. Add a keypad entry system and a video intercom to enable visual and audio communication with visitors.
Ensure your chosen gate system can be integrated with your farm security cameras for seamless surveillance.
The Arlo Advantage: Security Tailored to Your Farm
At Arlo, we understand that every farm has unique security needs. That's why we offer a flexible range of weatherproof, wire-free, and cellular-powered cameras, allowing you to customise a security solution that fits your property and budget.
Ready to experience the peace of mind that comes with a secure farm? Explore the Arlo range of security cameras today. When deciding, remember to prioritise quality, reliability, and compatibility. Happy farming, and stay secure!
Read more about farm security on the official NFU (National Farmers' Union) website.
Call 999 if you see a crime in progress. Call 101 if a crime has already taken place. You can also submit information anonymously online at CrimeStoppers.org.