Farming Monthly National May 2018 | Page 47

| Security Security for the farming community Every year rural crime costs millions of pounds and causes untold anxiety across the UK countryside. ccording to data from NFU Mutual, in 2016 rural crime cost the UK £39.2million*, with the future trend showing a rise in this form of crime, as thieves become more “brazen” as they target the countryside. Farmers are having to increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment and stock with many farms being turned into fortresses, where thieves are repeatedly targeting quads, tractors and power tools. This is also causing high levels of anxiety amongst farmers who know their rural location makes them vulnerable to attacks. Installing a security and video monitoring system that will keep a watchful eye on a property and its contents is becoming increasingly necessary. One such cost-effective solution is Blink, a battery- powered security HD video monitoring camera system that is quick and simple to install, has no monthly fees and is totally wireless, allowing the re- positioning of cameras at any time. When Blink detects motion, it immediately sends a push notification alert and HD quality video to the user’s smartphone so that they instantly see who is inside, or wandering around their property. The system is entirely accessible via the Blink App (it’s available on iOS and Android), giving users the flexibility to arm/disarm, live stream video, and check status remotely, anytime and from anywhere. Blink cameras also monitor and alert users to changes in temperature giving lifestock owners extra peace of mind. It’s available on iOS and Android. A www.farmingmonthly.co.uk Recently launched is the Blink XT, a weather proof outdoor version for use in all seasons. The Blink XT outdoor camera works seamlessly with Blink’s indoor model and can also be used independently. Blink has unprecedented image quality, battery life (two years on 2 x AA lithium batteries). Systems start at £129.99, far less expensive than competitive systems, and up to ten cameras can be added to a network, so enabling a watchful eye on all corners of a property. Having received our test unit we wasted no time in getting it up and running. As it goes, it took no time at all to go from opeing the box to viewing a live stream of the office via the iPhone app. The app is simple to navigate and easy to understand - the main screen providing a simple toggle switch to arm or disarm the movement trigger response and an image of the main feed which you can view live or just take still image. A handy folder stores any footage that’s taken after triggering and a menu icon allows access to the various settings such as recorded footage length, sensitivity etc. What’s in the box? The box contains the camera, a wireless sync module with power cord and plug (both UK and Continental two pin), USB cable, batteries and a handy bracket. Worth noting here that the initial set-up requires serial numbers from both the sync module and inside the camera (get this