What is Farm Watch?

What is Farm Watch?

Farm Watch is about farmers and landowners working in partnership with each other and the police to prevent rural crime and protect farms.

We have all become used to routine activity and if you live and work in the countryside, you may see the same people, in the same vehicles going about their business on a daily or weekly basis. The goal of Farm Watch is to raise awareness so when the pattern is broken or something out of the ordinary takes place, you feel empowered to report suspicious behavior to the police.

Farm Watch is about looking after your own, and your neighbor’s property and if everyone looks out for one another, then the countryside across California will be safer and will feel safer.

The Aims of Farm Watch

To reduce the opportunities for crime in farming and rural communities


To strengthen community spirit, so that everyone works together and plays their part in protecting his or her property


To improve two-way communication between the police and the rural and farming community


To encourage people to report suspicious activity and vehicles immediately


To reduce the fear of crime

Machinery, Tools and Plant

Whenever possible, secure or immobilize vehicles and pieces of equipment that are not in use. Also when possible, before the sun has gone down, move machinery away from the fields and any roads. Always keep tools locked out of sight when not in use and
mark your property using a metal engraver or marking product.

Keep a record of the serial, chassis, and model numbers and consider installing tracking devices to tractors and quad bikes.

Livestock

Regularly check your fields where animals are grazing. Keep hedges, fences and gates in good repair
. Ditches can be used to form a natural barrier around your property or a specific area. Ensure the field gates cannot be taken off the hinges by turning the bottom hinge upside down and/or cap or weld over the tops. Keep photographs of unusual or valuable animals, and record details of unusual markings or scars of each animal.