There’s no single answer to keeping farmyards, tools and machinery secure, but taking the proper precautions will minimise the risk of being hit.

Making your premises look as uninviting as possible is a good starting point.

Solid fences, tough gates and security lighting will all help in this regard, as will keeping valuable machinery tucked away from view.

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CCTV is another deterrent, which also captures footage that can be helpful in catching perpetrators.

For those that do decide to breach the perimeter, having decent locks on doors, hidden vehicle keys and secure tool storage will all help slow their progress.

1. Weaving Machinery electric gates

Yard security starts with a decent gate. And they don’t come much tougher than Weaving Machinery’s all-metal offerings, available in either conventional dual swinging or sliding formats.

The former offers the more traditional look and is cheaper too, with prices starting at £7,700 for a 3.7m (12ft) set, including installation but not groundworks.

Opening and closing duties are handled by waterproof IP67 rated motors buried in the ground and these have a built-in centre stop that means a surface one isn’t required.

Two pairs of safety photocells come as standard, which will stop the gates in their tracks if a pedestrian or vehicle breaks the infrared beams.

Various control methods are included in the deal, such as mobile phone activation, a key pad and radio fobs.

Sliding models come into their own where there isn’t room for swing gates to open, or they would need to do so up a slope.

These feature a cantilever design that means no part of the gate comes into contact with the driveway. As a result, loose debris or snow won’t affect operation.

Prices start at £9,800 for a 6m gate, running to £16,800 for a 12m. Custom sizes and designs are available, too.

2. Bulldog Titan wheel clamp

One way of making trailers harder to pinch is to fit them with a secure wheel lock whenever they’re parked up.

The heavy-duty Titan from Bulldog is one of the most robust out there, with a high-security pick-resistant lock and triangular steel cover that protects wheel nuts against tampering.

Fitment involves positioning the three hardened steel arms around the wheel, before tightening them using a spanner. The locking plate is then secured on the front.

The Titan is available in a wide range of sizes and sells for about £175.

3. Farmstream Solar 360 Mini

Whether your yard is in a built-up area or tucked away in the wilds, there’s a suitable security camera system to help keep an eye out for intruders.

Farmstream’s Solar 360 Mini is purpose built for the most remote sites, with a 26W solar panel providing it with off-grid power.

Footage is sent back to the owner via 4G and it can be steamed or downloaded using a mobile app.

In addition, the 64GB micro-SD memory card will hold up to three weeks’ worth of recordings on the camera. This can be upgraded to 256GB if more capacity is needed.

The camera itself is a 5MP HD unit that’s mounted on a gimbal to give a 360deg view around the premises. Thanks to motion detection, it will also follow movement for better coverage.

Even in the dark, it can record at distances of 20-30m, and thanks to built-in audio it’s possible to interact with people on site.

Various operating modes are available, such as continuous recording, switching on and off according to a schedule, or activating only when the sensor detects movement.

Retail price is £166.

4. Abus Granit Power Chain 37

ATVs are a perennial favourite among rural thieves, so it’s sensible to put some security measures in place.

The Granit Power Chain from lock specialist Abus should give them something to think about.

Formed from 14mm hardened steel, the loop is designed to securely shackle the bike to an immovable object, such as a shed stanchion or ground anchor.

Damage to the bike during fitment is avoided thanks to a fabric sleeve and there’s a special coating on the lock and shackle to protect against corrosion.

For added security, it’s fitted with the firm’s high-grade Abus Plus cylinder lock, which is inserted from the top for better protection against drilling and pulling. Expect to pay about £185 through an online retailer.

Another handy device in Abus’s arsenal is the Granit Quick 37/60 disc brake lock. This can be picked up for about £95 and clamps over the disc to stop it turning, rendering the bike unrideable.

5. Yale high-security weatherproof padlock set

They might be a security essential, but a having a raft of padlocks all using different locks and combinations can be a logistical nightmare.

That’s where keyed alike sets come in. These are opened using the same key and come with a special code that allows more of the same to be ordered at a later date.

One example is the pictured high-security and weatherproof triple set from Yale, which is priced at about £24.

Each lock features hardened steel shackles, protective weather-proof covers and double ball locking for added security.

6. QMP ToolSafe security box

Fashioned out of 1.5mm thick steel, the ToolSafe from Stourbridge-based outfit QMP is designed to prevent intruders gaining access to valuable workshop kit.

Internally fixed hinges and a welded construction make it particularly awkward to gain access for those that don’t have the keys to the twin eight-lever locks.

Once it is open, the door lifts smoothly with the assistance of gas struts on either side, giving wide access to the contents.

Several sizes are available, from a petite 400mm high, 850mm wide and 500mm deep unit, to the pictured chest that stands at 1,200mm tall and 1,220mm wide with a 650mm depth.

For peak security, buyers can opt for versions that bolt to the floor or, for a little more convenience, they can add pallet fork pockets or castors.

Prices for the smallest models start at about £200, going up to £1,191 for the biggest model with wheels.

7. Centinel Clutch Claw

By securely shackling a manual vehicle’s two left pedals together, the Centinel Clutch Claw makes it far harder to pinch.

Fitment can be completed in a matter of seconds by sliding the bar and base plate under the pedals before slotting the cover over the top.

Once in place, the firm says the device is virtually impossible to tamper with.

It’s universal too, with movable pins that mean it can be adjusted to fit most machines.

Retail price is £122.50, and it comes with two window stickers to ward off thieves.

8. Kingspan Watchman Sonic Advanced fuel tank alarm

By using an ultrasonic gauge, Kingspan’s Watchman Sonic Advanced can give accurate fuel tank readings and send an alert if there’s a sudden drop.

The kit comes with two components, the first of which is a battery-powered measuring device and transmitter that mounts to the top of the tank.

For vessels that are pre-drilled, this can simply be screwed in place, while others require the services of a 32mm hole saw.

The second part of the system is the receiver, which simply plugs into a socket in the house or farm office.

This gives a readout of the current tank contents and will display a refill symbol when it drops below 10%.

It will also sound an alarm if the tank runs completely dry or there’s a dramatic drop in level.

The transmitter will work over a 200m distance and is compatible with both plastic and steel tanks.

For added convenience, buyers can upgrade to a Sensit USB receiver that sends level information and alerts to an app, allowing them to be viewed from anywhere.

Retail price of the regular Watchman Sonic Adavnced is £69.99, with the USB receiver adding £40.95.