Police warning around dangers of entering farmland

Police are issuing a warning to young people around the dangers of entering working farmland.

There have been several reports recently of young people trespassing on farms around Maple Cross.

They have been witnessed climbing highly stacked haybales and farm equipment, often entering fenced off areas to do so.

PC Christian Gottmann, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Farmland can look like an exciting place to explore, but it’s not a playground; it’s a working, and often dangerous, environment, especially at this time of year.

“Modern farm machinery is powerful and can’t stop quickly, livestock can be unpredictable and protective, and chemicals used on farms can pose serious health risks if handled or even approached incorrectly. Even something that seems harmless, like climbing on hay bales, can lead to serious falls or suffocation hazards.

“Entering farmland without permission is also trespassing, which puts both young people and farmers at risk. In addition, it can cause great financial loss through damage to crops and equipment. 

“We understand that some may see police intervention as stopping young people from having fun, but our priority is always safety. We would much rather have a difficult conversation today than deal with a situation where a young person has been seriously injured or worse.

“We’re asking parents and guardians to speak with their children about these risks, and for young people themselves to think twice before entering farmland. Staying safe means respecting boundaries and understanding that these places carry real and potentially life-changing dangers.” 

You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.