Rural crime across Berkshire is taking a growing emotional and financial toll on farmers.
With quad bikes, tractors, and tools being stolen, and violent behaviour from offenders becoming more common, many in the farming community say they’re reaching breaking point.
Rural crime continues to affect farms across Berkshire. Our rural security checklist outlines the steps landowners can take to reduce risks.
TL;DR: Quick summary
Farmers in Berkshire are reporting a surge in rural crime, including theft, vandalism, and violent behaviour. One farmer now works part-time to cover her losses.
With offenders increasingly organised and brazen, experts are urging owners and operators to invest in robust farm security systems like perimeter detection, access control, CCTV, to protect their operations.
Farmers say rural crime is taking its toll
BBC News Berkshire recently reported the experience of local farmer Hollie Levinge, who suffers crime incidents on average seven times per year.
She said the rising cost of crime had become “demoralising”, forcing her to take a second job to plug the financial gaps.
“I take measures, I try and hide things, I try and increase security, but [criminals] are quite determined,” she said.
Rural crime is terrifying Berkshire farmers
Ms Levinge is not alone. Windsor-based farmer Colin Rayner described rural crime in the Thames Valley as “terrifying”, citing the theft of £18,000 in tools from his workshop, stolen tractors and quad bikes, and even violent threats from criminals when challenged.
“If you do catch them on your farm, they are violent and riskless,” he said. “They will smash into your car to get out if you try to block them in.”
The impact of crime on rural communities in Berkshire
Figures from NFU Mutual show the cost of rural crime in Berkshire rose by more than 100% between 2023 and 2024, despite an overall drop in the wider South East.
Only recently, Thames Valley Police launched an investigation into hare coursing in the county.
However, with initiatives such as Thames Valley’s Rural Crime Action Week, the situation will hopefully improve. This sentiment is backed up by recent data highlighting an overall drop in rural crime in the Thames Valley, however, this is largely attributed to Oxfordshire.
Rural crime remains a serious issue in Berkshire. Naturally, this is leading many to consider working with a local CCTV installation company in Berkshire to detect, deter and deal with crime impacting rural communities.
Industry response: Farmers need security support, not just statistics
The emotional impact of rural crime is often overlooked, it’s not just about stolen kit, it’s about safety, stress, and lost confidence. We’re helping farms build defences that deter criminals and give farmers some peace of mind.”
— Steve Blackwell, Managing Director, Safeguard Systems
Recommended security systems for farms & rural firms in Berkshire
Criminals targeting farms today are fast, organised, and increasingly aggressive.
Farms need smart, visible, and layered security to deter intruders and alert owners before damage is done.
Protecting farms with CCTV
CCTV systems for farms, protect sites and offer 24/7 coverage of key zones:
- Machinery sheds, fuel stores, entrances, and gates
- Infrared cameras for low-light coverage
- Smartphone access for checking footage anywhere
- Can integrate with alarms and perimeter systems
Stolen machinery and break ins are costly and disruptive, so finding ways to improve security for your farm is incredibly important.
Perimeter detection and early-warning systems
One of the best ways for farmers in Berkshire to tackle rural crime, is detecting intruders before they reach buildings:
- Infrared beams, fence vibration sensors, or microwave barriers
- Real-time alerts to phones or security teams
- Can trigger lights, sirens, or cameras on detection
- Prevents opportunistic theft and protects large estates
Plant tracking and asset protection
Farms and rural businesses are increasingly affected by plant theft, with machinery and valuable equipment often targeted by organised criminals.
Here are some tips to safeguard machinery and trailers with hidden tracking:
- GPS units embedded inside tractors, quad bikes or diggers
- Monitor movement 24/7 via app
- Supports fast recovery and police intervention
- Often reduces insurance premiums
Panic alarms and lighting for isolated areas
Protect lone workers or residents:
- Panic buttons linked to alarm systems or phones
- Automated lighting on approach or motion detection
- Ideal for isolated homes, barns, and fuel yards
The emotional and financial strain of rural crime
Rural crime isn’t just an operational problem; it’s a mental health issue too.
Farmers already working long hours face the demoralising loss of machinery, income, and peace of mind.
When repeat incidents become the norm, many feel trapped or forced to take second jobs to stay afloat.
As one farmer put it: “All these unforeseen costs eat away any sort of profit.”
Thefts also prevent reinvestment in the farm, leaving essentials out of reach and safety in question.
Final thoughts: Protecting farmers in Berkshire from rural crime
The message from Berkshire’s farmers is clear: rural crime isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s becoming a crisis.
With organised criminals targeting isolated properties and violence becoming more common, robust security systems are now essential.
Speak to our team today about CCTV, perimeter detection and tracking systems for farms in Berkshire.
We help farmers protect what matters most, and are here to help to reduce rural crime in Berkshire with expert advice and reliable technology.
Related resources
FAQs
Farmers in Berkshire are reporting frequent thefts of quad bikes, tractors, and tools, as well as break-ins, vandalism, and even violent threats. Some experience multiple incidents a year, often from organised groups operating under the cover of darkness or in isolated areas.
For many, rural crime leads to lost income, stress, and constant anxiety. Victims report feeling helpless and unsafe on their land. Some, like Hollie Levinge, have had to take second jobs to cover the costs. It’s not just a security issue—it’s a mental health one too.
Perimeter systems detect trespassers before they reach equipment or buildings. These systems use beams, sensors or smart fencing to create early warning zones. If triggered, they send alerts, activate lights, or integrate with alarms—giving farmers time to respond or deter the intruder.
Absolutely. GPS trackers can help locate stolen items within minutes, supporting fast police response. They’re especially effective when discreetly installed inside machinery or trailers. Many also offer geo-fencing, triggering alerts if equipment moves beyond set boundaries.
Large farms benefit most from an integrated approach: CCTV with remote access, perimeter detection for early alerts, monitored alarm systems, and plant trackers. When combined, these systems cover blind spots, deter criminals, and help protect people, property, and productivity.
