Farming

Going hi-tech to tackle rural crime

Published

10 years ago

March 12, 2015

Tom Sinclair

New weapon: rural crime crackdown

FARMERS are fighting back against the growing menace of rural crime with the help of a new hi-tech security innovation. Intelligent Band uses a sophisticated computerised code to personalise a vehicle to its owner, preventing thieves from ‘hot-wiring’ tractors, quad bikes, and other agricultural vehicles.

It means that vehicles protected by the system can only be operated by the holder of a wristband which matches its unique code. The product is the brainchild of James Anstis-Smith, whose company is based near Shrewsbury. He said: “Millions of pounds of agricultural equipment is stolen every year, and the figure is on the rise. NFU Mutual’s latest rural crime survey revealed that rural theft now costs the UK over £44 million a year.” The figure has been driven up by the theft of high-value tractors worth up to £80,000, while quad bike thefts also rose 14 per cent during the period “Intelligent Band is a powerful deterrent to these opportunist thieves, stopping them in their tracks.

The principle is very similar to signature guns used by James Bond in films such Skyfall and Licence To Kill. “Unless the machine’s code matches your unique band, you won’t be able to start the engine. And any attempt at tampering or hot-wiring will be useless.” The Intelligent Band system can be fitted to any vehicle, regardless of age, make or model. It integrates with the wiring and starting system, and works with 12/24v petrol or diesel engines. “One single Intelligent Band can hold the access code to a whole fleet of vehicles, removing the need for large sets of keys, or codes,” said Mr Anstis- Smith.

“Each band is serialised, so a farmer can give some workers access to more vehicles than others – this is particularly useful if some people are either not qualified, or too young to operate certain machines.” Edward Owen, who farms at Llansantffraid on the west Shropshire border, is among the first to have tested the system. “Intelligent Band has been a welcome addition to our business,” he said. “It has given us heightened security without being too intrusive on our daily routine. “The technology is easy to use for all ages – from our 17-year-old workman to my 72-year-old dad, and we have the added advantage of knowing that all vehicles are secure at all times.

He adds: “The installation was quick and has not changed the vehicles in any way, cosmetically. The major advantage is that one key fob has replaced all keys needed for each vehicle, making life much easier. “All our vehicles are now safe during the day while standing on the yard, and at night when most thefts occur. The Intelligent Band team have been helpful, and easy to work with at all times.”

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

3 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.