The Farming Express The Farming Express Jan iss4 | Page 12

The Security Services Group A NEW generation of innovative technology is helping a leading Staffordshire security firm to take on organised gangs responsible for a disturbing rise in rural crime. Stoke-based Security Services Group are using cutting-edge intruder alarms and surveillance systems to target criminals responsible for the theft of high-value equipment, tools and livestock from farms. A wave of sheep rustling, coupled with the disappearance of high-value farm vehicles, such as tractors and quad bikes, costs the rural economy millions of pounds each year. In the case of livestock theft, up to 150 sheep are taken at a time and then sold on the black market. And It is believed that farms with only basic security are being targeted first. Now bosses at the Security Services Group are urging farmers to take urgent steps to protect their livelihoods by exploring some of the high-tech security solutions now available. These include the latest CCTV systems, external beam protection, computerised access control systems, data networking, flood prevention and fire detection. Claire Critchley, Group Marketing Co-ordinator at The Security Services Group, said “The sophisticated nature of rural crime meant that security was now a top priority for the farming community.” “The Security Services Group have been providing protection for homes and businesses for over 30 years, so we’re well-placed to offer specialised technical advice and support.” “Rural crime is a real and growing problem at the moment and farm equipment is particularly vulnerable because of the often isolated places in which they are stored. But by working together with rural businesses I’m convinced we can finally stem this disturbing criminal trend.” * Figures from the NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Survey recently put the cost of crime to the rural economy at £44.5m in 2013 – a 5.2% increase CBS began over 15 years ago as a modest one-man business.However, the days when Henk CIers, himself the son of a concrete manufacturer, poured retaining walls with his own hands are now in the past. While CBS has grown into a professional, well-oiled machine with capable and highly-motivated employees, the inspiration and the pioneering spirit live on. We continu