Preventing Illegal Trespassers and Gypsy Intrusion Onto Farms and Land

Written on September 16, 2011 at 2:47 pm, by peter

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vistavision/3436067221/

Often poorly protected and with many access points, open land, car parks, industrial areas and development sites are frequently targeted by trespassers and Gypsies, looking for transient locations to set up illegal encampments. However, being peak season for travellers and the impending high-profile eviction of 400 people from Europe’s largest illegal traveller site at Dale Farm, Basildon, means that farmers across the South would be advised to take stock of the security at vulnerable land to avoid the cost of having to remove this dispersing camp. Armed with mobile phones, camps can quickly grow as news of unchallenged access spreads, and more caravans, vehicles and travellers head for the site.

With little regard for surroundings or neighbours and no amenities to the handle rubbish generated by itinerant travellers, the encampment can quickly turn into an area strewn with human and animal waste as well as discarded litter, meaning it also poses an environmental problem. Often there is also damage to property, with fences and gates broken, whilst theft from local shops and houses is frequently reported.

Unfortunately, it’s usually only when the encampment leaves that the true extent of the damage is realised as unwanted debris and fly-tipping is exposed. It goes without saying that the longer trespassers are on site, the worse build-up and damage will be and the more expensive the cost will be to the landlord of removal and repair and the greater the headache and inconvenience.

With prevention always being the best measure, Secure Site recommends 3 metre, 2.5 tonne concrete barriers for impenetrable perimeter protection for vulnerable land or easy access points. The imposing look of concrete barriers is also a clear sign to would-be trespassers that this farm is taking security seriously and not to bother.

For more details, take a look at concrete barriers for short or long-term rental of concrete barriers and blocks to protect your farm or and from trespassers or travellers.

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Preventing Theft of Farm Equipment, Tractors and Fuel with an Immediate Alarm and Video Evidence

Written on September 5, 2011 at 2:44 pm, by peter

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alejandro_espinosa/3987032361/

According to research from NFU Mutual, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of expensive tractor thefts “to order” in recent years. In fact, machinery theft is reported to be costing the industry in the region of £40 million, with quad bikes, power tools and 4×4 vehicles, all stolen in larger numbers by what is thought to be planned thefts. It seems farms and rural establishments are just too tempting for thieves as the escalating cost of fuel (with red diesel at 70 pence per litre, and rising) means that large full tanks are worth thousands of pounds to thieves, with no regard whatsoever to the disruption and cost to the farmer. As if this isn’t enough, the locks on fuel tanks are being removed or broken off, causing yet more cost to farms and estates. Domestic customers are not safe either, as a spate of cases of fuel theft and media coverage, has led to greater awareness of the ease with which thieves are emptying household tanks in remote parts of gardens. With copper now worth £6,000 per tonne and scrap metal not far behind this figure, electrical installations and tanks are on thieves “shopping lists”, along with lawnmowers and garden tools, from unprotected buildings and sheds.

With many vehicles, equipment and outbuildings not having the benefit of hard-wired alarm systems, thieves are going undetected and are therefore able to spend greater time draining tanks, loading tools or hitching machinery, for many hours under the cover of darkness.

In an ideal world, a mobile security guard with a canine unit patrolling valuable assets would do the trick, but without the budget for this, farms, estates and even domestic sites might want to consider a very cost-effective alternative, that can monitor individual assets or open spaces at night and even takes video footage of any movement, sent via the GSM mobile communication network, to the Police who regard them as proof of “crimes in progress”, then prioritised and immediately responded to in order to try to catch the thieves red-handed. With up to 24 infra-red wireless cameras connected to one battery operated system (that lasts for up to 4 years!) and a radius of up to 200 metres, clear images – even at night – are now possible on the remotest buildings without the need for power, using Void Video. Available for rental on a short or long-term basis and installed by our engineer in under an hour, your property and assets can be protected next-day! For more details, follow this link to our site dedicated to Void Video: www.voidvideo.co.uk

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Secure a spot at the Property Gun & Punt

Written on May 12, 2011 at 8:00 am, by peter

Image source: http://www.hollandandholland.com/images/splashimages/1.jpg

With the weather improving and targets met, isn’t it time for a well-deserved break from the office? What better way than a day’s shooting and hitting even more targets?

Holland and Holland, maker of the finest bespoke sporting guns and rifles in the world and known as “The Royal Gunmaker” since 1835, is hosting the 26^th annual Property Gun and Punt clay pigeon championship. This year’s main sponsor is Secure Site (UK), the vacant property security specialists, supported by the Estates Gazette, in aid of LionHeart, the charity for RICS members and their families experiencing difficulties.

The competition will comprise of an 80 bird sporting shoot followed by a 75 bird team flurry. The flurry will include the opportunity to shoot down a radio controlled plane that will buzz the line several times. Cartridges, breakfast and a BBQ lunch are included with practice and pool stands available on the day.

The event is open to anyone employed within the property industry and is a great opportunity to meet key contacts within your field and to enjoy a fantastic day’s shooting.

For more information on the event and how to enter, feel free to contact us on 08456 12 13 12 or via email at enquiries@securesiteuk.co.uk

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CCTV Installation Stops Drug Dealing

Written on April 13, 2011 at 3:42 pm, by peter

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/charbelakhras/2535524197/

A Devon based Social Housing provider with ongoing problems with vandals and suspected drug users has put an end to drug dealers congregating in communal doorways and openly dealing to local youths by installing a new security measures at the worst-hit block of flats. Starting by installing robust communal doors with access control ensured that only those with authorised swipe cards could gain entry to the block. The addition of a new and conspicuous CCTV system linked to the Housing Officers and recording video evidence has also significantly deterred would-be vandals and drug dealers in the area with a resultant drop in the level of vandalism and petty crime in the area.

So, if you have persistent nuisance areas, vandals, anti-social behaviour or drug taking that is severely affecting the neighbourhood and you want to discuss the options for combating it, simply call Secure Site and one of our experienced commercial managers will be happy to attend and provide free advice on the security measures available and options to combat the problem.  If you would like mor einformation please call us today on 08456 12 13 12 or leave a comment below.

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