I feel the IFA are right on rural crime – plenty goes unreported. I know of a number of cases in my wider family and friends where farm items have been stolen and these burglaries have never been reported.

In some cases, it is a repeat robbery business and the owners have just become disillusioned after not following advice given on previous occasions. There is no one silver bullet to solve it, but the basics like gates, locks, dogs and cameras all help.

If your farm is in a vulnerable position on the side of the road, or near enough to a motorway then you have no choice but to act.

The Ulster Farmers' Union deputy president is also correct when he says the lasting impact of theft on well-being is difficult to measure. There is no doubt a collaborative approach is required by all stakeholders and this is where Northern Ireland has shown some leadership and investment.

As a rural dweller or farm owner, the first thing you can do is to do the basics in terms of security well.

Cost of rural crime in Northern Ireland hits £2.8m

Do the security basics very well

Leaving farmyards wide open, doors unlocked and equipment on display is simply asking for trouble, writes Jack Kennedy