How To Defend Your Farm From Intruders

Over the past few years rural and agricultural related crimes have been on the rise, while funding to combat these offenses has steadily decreased. Obviously, in rural areas, crimes are less likely to be reported, and suffer a far longer response time.

After a large scale terrorist attack, EMP strike or nuclear war, rural and agricultural areas will most likely be the first to suffer, as police forces are stretched thin. Given that, more than any other household, the rural home needs to be responsible for its own defense.

On Considering Fencing

An essential aspect of a home’s security involves in how well it covers the property. With some farms exceeding 1,400 acres in size, it can be unreasonable to expect that such an undertaking could be affordable.

In fact, the price for fencing the perimeter can surpass the value of the farm entirely.

That’s why selective fencing erected to secure valuable resources such as livestock and crops can be a reasonable precaution. To keep unwanted invaders out, a fence needs to stand at least six feet high and be constructed of a sturdy, weatherproof, non-scalable material.

Electric fencing or wire additions can help facing down the human or animal invaders (snakes, coyotes). Going too far in your fencing construction might violate local regulations, so always double check your area’s laws before splurging on the construction of a new fence.

Additional Coverage Features

While high-tech solutions might not seem cost-effective, the investment in motion sensors, flood lights, and property alarms are far more economical when dealing with a large property. Automated lighting can be extremely effective in maintaining a presence on your property.

Security cameras and tracking systems, concealed by equipment such as water pumps and near sheds, can be invaluable in keeping an eye on all reaches of your property.
Incorporating an alert system (such as provided by most smart phone integration platforms like ADT Pulse,) allows you to be instantly notified when intruders appear on your property.

While these measures can be less effective in dealing with natural predators, they are highly effective on warding off thieves from targeting your farm equipment and valuables.

Ideally, these security features should operate on a sustainable alternative power source to keep your home secure even during grid-down scenarios. In case of an emergency, when food supplies become a valuable commodity, these security features can be your home’s lifeline.

Finally, one of the most versatile security features you can keep on a rural property is one of the most time-honored security solutions: a tough, strong guard dog.

While they aren’t the only solution by any means, they’re particularly helpful in guarding livestock (especially when in possession of a herding breed).

They’re also far more perceptive during scenarios in which you find yourself without your standard security measures. While they might not alert authorities like an alarm can, they can keep you informed on potential wrongdoings.

Protecting Farm Equipment and Property

One advantage you could have in home security is by installing non-traditional locks which are inherently bump-proof.

Lock-bumping, a widely recognized and extremely easy lock-picking method, is one the most fatal flaws affecting home security today. The method is so fool-proof that even expensive “bump proof” traditional pin tumbler locks take an extra few seconds to open.

Consider replacing any of these pin tumbler locks on your tool and supply sheds with magnetic, combination, or electric locks. Electric locks have the added benefit of being able to be remotely unlocked if you have smart home integration.

Another way to resist invasion is by investing in doors and windows which withstand a higher level of punishment. Heavier doors should be installed on sheds containing valuable tools and resources. These can be supplemented with anchor chain locks, reinforced door jambs, and other features. Any windows should be replaced with shatter-resistant panes, or at least reinforced with a theft-resistant window film if this isn’t financially feasible.

While these improvements can be effective for any property, they should definitely be included on any spaces that include resources you need to maintain your crops and livestock. These areas are more frequently targeted by criminals due to a lack of oversight by most rural property owners.

By taking these measures, it can be far easier to catch criminals in the act before any real theft or damage can occur.

Photo source: Dreamstime.

Naomi Broderick is a prepper author with Protect Your Home who provides ADT in Fairfield, California.