No Trespassing signs should be visible at every entry to your property
No Trespassing signs are the best way to indicate to outsiders that they are not welcome to roam your property without your consent. While signs won’t necessarily keep intruders out, having them clearly visible will help build a case with police if intruders are found on your property. Display signs at every entrance to your property – even if there are entrances you do not use regularly.
Note: Biosecurity signs do not serve the same function. If you have biosecurity signs up, be sure to also use no trespassing signs.
Control entry with gates
Use a gate or a chain to clearly establish the boundaries between your farm property and the road. If the property is off-limits at certain times of day, use the gate or chain to indicate so, and limit access.
Invest in good quality locks – and use them
Ensure good-quality locks (with keys) are installed on all buildings and barns on your property. Remember, the cheaper the lock, the easier it is to pick or break.
Keypad locks are not an ideal option because codes can be observed and unauthorized individuals may gain entry.
Tip: Extreme cold temperatures experiences across much of Canada in winter months can cause problems with breaking off keys inside locks. To avoid this, purchase lock de-icer and have it handy for a quick solution.
Invest in lighting for your farm property
Farm owners should invest in security lighting for key areas of farm property. Ensure good quality lighting is even across all areas, providing minimal opportunity for intruders to hide in shadows.
- Ensure building exteriors are well-lit, particularly near entrances and exits, even on doors not in use.
- Motion sensors may help conserve electricity.
- Lighting should be in the 10-20 lux range.
Install barn alarms
Farm operators should install alarms on barns, which can send signals to home and/or create noise outside.
Lock vehicles and fuel tanks
Ensure vehicles on a farm property (trucks, farm equipment and forklifts) are locked when not in use – particularly overnight.
Within the past five years, Ontario farmers have reported several incidents involving sugared gas tanks, vehicle vandalism, glued locks and theft.
Label tools
Protect large tools and small pieces of equipment by etching identification, such as your social insurance number, in an obscure area of the equipment.
What’s the best place to etch identification? Somewhere obscure, where it would be difficult to sand off.
Tip: Many local police departments across Ontario have etchers available for rent.
This project was funded in part through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of Growing Forward 2 in Ontario.