National budget cuts over the past few years, and perhaps in the coming years, have not helped with reducing the scourge of rural crime, primarily theft. Today, a range of farm assets are being targeted by thieves, from fuel, to tractors, machinery, scrap metal and even livestock.

Some parts of rural Ireland resemble the wild west because many thieves are fully aware of the lack of Garda resources. They use the vast improvement in national road infrastructure to swiftly hit areas and get away again at their ease.

One strategy that has been effective against rural crime is the use of text-alert schemes. These schemes have allowed communities to relay information on suspicious activity and vehicles, directly to the gardaí. Text-alert schemes are effective, allowing suspicious vehicles or activity to be checked out without potentially wasting valuable Garda man-hours driving out to follow up on innocent activity.

Many thieves are opportunists. Seeing a gate open into a yard or a tractor left in a field overnight is like an invitation. More ‘‘professional’’ thieves are much harder to defend against. These often have a specific target in mind, such as a tractor, Ifor Williams trailer, ATV or even livestock.

Most farmers can make some inexpensive adjustments to their farms to minimise the risk of theft.

Here, we look at some of the useful suggestions that have little or no financial cost.