The latest statistics from the PSNI suggest that crime in rural areas was down nearly 10% in 2014 compared to the previous year.

However, it should be noted that reductions have been seen before, only to be followed by an increase the following year. Data compiled by rural insurer NFU Mutual indicated that rural crime in 2013 was up 15% compared to 2012, with items stolen worth an estimated £3.9m.

Livestock, tractors and tools top the list of popular items for thieves. While the figures in 2013 were driven up to some extent by the theft of high-value tractors worth up to £80,000, there was also some evidence that thieves were targeting lower-value tractors not fitted with high-tech systems. For many farmers an insurance payout on a tractor might cover the value of the machine, but finding a replacement that is equally reliable as the one just stolen can be difficult.

A desire not to have any of his tractors stolen led Tyrone farmer and agricultural contractor Alastair Farmer to look at simple and cost-effective measures he could put in place to protect his machinery. He came across Block Stem, an anti-theft device that can be fitted to any tractor or machine with an external power steering ram.

One thing led to another, and for the past five years he has been the main agent for Block Stem in Britain and Ireland. He has sold around 1,000 units. Most of his sales have been local, but he has also sold the product to customers outside of NI (including north America, England and the Republic of Ireland) after they viewed the device on his website.

Block Stem is made in Italy from C40 heavy duty steel with hardener and, according to Alastair, it is unbeatable. “It can’t be cut. We haven’t had a vehicle stolen yet or anyone attempting to steal a tractor fitted with the device” he said. Block Stem comes with a five-year warranty and a 100% money back guarantee if anyone ever does manage to steal a tractor fitted with it.

It is certified and accredited by Thatcham, a body which conducts research on safety and security products on behalf of insurance companies. Where the device is fitted to machines insured with JCB Insurance, discounts of up to 40% are available. In November 2014 Block Stem also achieved Secured by Design status. The mark is owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers and recognises high-quality security products.

The product has also been backed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with a 10% discount available to members.

Alastair would like to broaden the sales base for Block Stem and is looking for an agent to take on sales in the Republic of Ireland.

He has also taken on other similar anti-theft products, including a pick-up hitch lock for use in the towing eye of low loaders, slurry tankers and dump trailers etc. “I have sold over 100 so far. They have mostly been bought by farmers wanting to secure their slurry tankers and trailers. I have also had a few vegetable and arable growers who might leave a trailer in a field at harvest time, and want it secured. In a couple of instances farmers see the lock as an anti-neighbour, rather than an anti-theft device – one man was getting tired of his neighbour taking his slurry tanker without asking, so he put a lock on it,” said Alastair.

In the last few months, he has added a trailer hitch lock to his product range. The lock currently comes in two sizes, one suitable for a Bradley and the other for an Avonride coupling. It means that the main local makes and brands of cattle trailers and horse boxes are covered.

Also new to Alastair is a GPS tracking device which can be attached to any farm machine. The device can be set up to send an alert by text and email if it moves outside a predetermined area.