With rural crime in Hampshire in the spotlight, this recent crime confirms why farmers, and owners of agri-businesses need to be vigilant.
Summary
- Burglars broke into a farm container in Old Alresford, stealing £3,000 worth of power tools.
- Two landscapers lost vital equipment used for tree surgery and ground maintenance.
- Police are investigating, while security experts urge farms to upgrade CCTV and perimeter protection.
Burglars targets landscaping tools stored on Hampshire farm
Two landscapers have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after burglars raided a farm in Old Alresford, Hampshire.
Between the evening of September 13 and the morning of September 14, thieves forced open a storage container and stole power tools including a leaf blower, strimmer, chainsaw, hedge trimmer and lawn mower.
For full details of the incident, see the original news story in the Hampshire Chronicle.
The victims, Jamie Hendricks of Hampshire’s Garden Hedges and Landscape Construction and James Peck of Arbutus Garden Landscapes, have worked together for more than two decades. They rented the container to store vital equipment used for landscaping and tree surgery projects around Winchester.
Jamie described the discovery:
“We arrived in the morning to collect our tools and instantly knew something wasn’t right. The doors had been busted open, the padlocks cut, and pretty much everything had gone. They totally cleaned it out.”
CCTV footage reportedly shows a white Ford Ranger and two masked men leaving the site on the night of the burglary.
Police investigation under way
Hampshire Police confirmed they are investigating. A spokesperson said:
“Some time between 5.30pm on 13 September and 9.30am on 14 September, a container was broken into, and approximately £3,000 worth of tools were stolen from within. Enquiries remain ongoing.”
The incident is one of several recent thefts reported across Hampshire farms and rural businesses, fuelling concern over the rise of organised rural crime.
Industry response: rural businesses need better protection
“This burglary is a reminder that tools and equipment stored on farms are attractive targets. Opportunistic criminals often look for containers or outbuildings with weak locks. We’re seeing more farmers and rural businesses investing in CCTV and monitored alarms to deter intruders and support police investigations.”
— Steve Blackwell, Managing Director, Safeguard Systems
Many rural businesses across the county are now seeking advice on installing CCTV systems for businesses in Hampshire to improve site surveillance and deter future break-ins.
Recommended farm security systems
Rural businesses and contractors working from farms can take practical steps to reduce the risk of burglary:
CCTV for farms
- Covers entrances, storage areas and access roads
- Infrared or thermal cameras for night-time detection
- Remote viewing for owners and staff
- Provides evidence for police investigations
Perimeter protection
- Infrared beams or fence-mounted vibration sensors
- Sends real-time alerts if boundaries are breached
- Works as an early-warning system before theft occurs
Monitored alarms
- Trigger immediate alerts when outbuildings or containers are forced open
- Linked to a professional monitoring station for 24/7 coverage
- Loud sirens deter criminals, while silent alarms speed up response
Reinforced storage solutions
- Heavy-duty padlocks and container doors
- Ground-anchored tool safes for high-value equipment
- Security lighting to deter opportunistic intruders
To explore tailored options for protecting agricultural sites, visit our page on security systems and theft prevention solutions for farms. It includes practical advice on CCTV, alarms, and access control designed specifically for farms and rural businesses.
Final thoughts
The Old Alresford burglary highlights the ongoing challenge of rural crime in Hampshire. For farmers, contractors and landowners, securing tools and equipment is essential.
By combining CCTV, perimeter detection, and robust storage, rural businesses can better protect their assets and livelihoods.
For more insights into recent incidents and prevention tips, read our latest update on the latest rural crime insights in Hampshire.
If you are looking to improve site security, call us now on 0800 689 1835.
FAQs
Thieves broke into a farm storage container in Old Alresford overnight between 13 and 14 September, stealing around £3,000 worth of landscaping tools. CCTV captured suspects leaving the scene in a white Ford Ranger. Police are investigating and enquiries remain ongoing.
Farms often have outbuildings and containers storing high-value equipment like chainsaws, strimmers and quad bikes. Isolated locations and limited surveillance make them appealing targets for burglars unless strong security measures are in place.
Farm CCTV provides 24/7 surveillance of storage areas, access points and perimeters. Infrared cameras capture intruders in darkness, while footage is valuable for police investigations. Remote access means owners can check their site at any time.
Perimeter detection systems alert farmers as soon as an intruder enters their land. Using beams, motion sensors or fence vibration detectors, they provide early warning before thieves reach valuable equipment or buildings.
Upgrading padlocks, reinforcing doors, and using floor-anchored tool safes can slow intruders down. Combined with lighting, CCTV, and monitored alarms, these steps make containers far less appealing to criminals looking for an easy target.
