Security on farms
and homes
There was a time not long ago when farmers and home owners did not worry about the security of their property. Farmers were especially trusting. Most farmers never locked their doors, they left their vehicles parked in the farm yard with the keys in the ignition and they were still able to sleep at night. In today’s world we have a new set of rules. No longer can a person be trusting and leave vehicles with the keys in them nor can they leave their doors unlocked.
Homeowners today must keep doors and windows locked and their garage doors closed. Farmers must have all of their buildings and their fuel storage under lock and key. Farmers today are operating larger farms spread over a wider area which allows storage and equipment in remote areas to become increasingly vulnerable to damage and theft. As a result many farmers and homeowners are turning to security cameras to monitor their homes, their farmyards and remote areas such as irrigation pumps in the field.
These security cameras can range from simple game cameras to wireless video cameras which are able to transmit a live picture to the farmers’ home computer. There are cameras available that are capable of reading the license plates of a vehicle from a distance of 150 feet even if the headlights are shining at the camera. Another option is for the camera to transmit to a DVR which will allow the recording of activity for as long as 25 days. The views from the cameras may be monitored from a smartphone or from a home computer. There are also motion sensor cameras available that will notify the farmer or homeowner when intruders are on the grounds, allowing them to check the cameras more rapidly.
Farmers who have utilized cameras advise people to purchase good quality cameras. The pictures from the camera must provide sufficient detail to law enforcement so arrests may be made. First time installers are advised to pay attention to any night lighting, as a camera pointed toward a light will not provide a clear picture, but will wash out the subject. The same can be true of the headlights of passing cars. Some cameras can be connected to the internet and will have a battery backup.
Homeowners or farmers who are looking for a system should check out the game camera options starting with your favourite sporting goods store, then they may need to look at the more expensive options of high-end systems available through the electronics departments in high technology electronics stores.
Today, bigger padlocks and heavier chain may not be the answer to farm or home security.
