CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE FOR FARMERS PREVENTING UNAUTHORISED HIDDEN CAMERAS IN LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS

Keep all livestock buildings, feed stores and service areas locked when not in use.

Regularly check that doors, gates, windows and access points are secure and in good repair.

Consider fitting tamper-resistant locks and alarm systems to vulnerable buildings.

Ensure perimeter fencing and boundary gates are maintained to reduce unauthorised access.

Limit access to essential staff, contractors and authorised visitors only.

Maintain a visitor log, recording names, organisations, dates and times of attendance.

Escort visitors where practical, particularly in sensitive livestock areas.

Review and immediately recover keys, access cards or codes when staff leave employment.

Install overt CCTV covering entrances, yards and approaches to livestock buildings.

Ensure cameras capture clear images of persons entering and leaving the site.

Display CCTV signage where appropriate.

Check recordings regularly and retain footage in accordance with legal requirements.

Conduct regular inspections of barns, parlours, poultry houses and other livestock areas.

Pay particular attention to unusual objects attached to beams, wiring, fixtures, ventilation equipment or feeding systems.

Investigate any unfamiliar batteries, power packs, memory cards or electronic devices.

Encourage staff to report anything unusual immediately.

Maintain adequate exterior lighting around livestock buildings and access routes.

Use motion-activated lighting in areas where people would not normally be present after hours.

Reduce hiding places around entrances where practicable.

Brief staff on the risk of trespass and unauthorised recording devices.

Encourage workers to challenge unknown persons in a professional and safe manner.

Ensure employees understand site security procedures and reporting requirements.

Secure farm Wi-Fi networks with strong passwords.

Change default passwords on cameras, routers etc.

Review access permissions for digital systems regularly.

Report suspicious individuals, vehicles or incidents to the RCAT.

Record descriptions, vehicle registrations and times where safe to do so.

Preserve any evidence, including CCTV footage, photographs or witness accounts.

Avoid unnecessarily handling the device.

Photograph it in place if safe to do so.

Record the location and circumstances of discovery.

Contact the police for advice, particularly if trespass, criminal damage or other offences are suspected.

Preserve any associated evidence.