PROJECT: FARM ATTACKS - CRIME PREVENTION STARTS BEFORE THE ATTACK (PART 2)
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The first part of this SSS series examined the disturbing levels of violence documented in some farm attacks in South Africa.
Part 2 focuses on prevention.
There is no single security measure that can guarantee that a farm or smallholding will never be attacked.
Rural properties differ in size, location, terrain, staffing, access points and proximity to emergency services.
Effective security therefore begins with understanding the specific vulnerabilities of each property
and addressing them before criminals can exploit them.
The South African Police Service National Rural Safety Strategy promotes cooperation between SAPS,
rural communities and other stakeholders as part of a coordinated approach to rural safety.
CRIME PREVENTION STARTS BEFORE THE ATTACK:
A farm attack may appear sudden to the victim, but criminals may spend time gathering information before committing an offence.
Unusual vehicles near a property, strangers repeatedly appearing near gates or boundaries, people asking detailed questions about the farm, unexpected requests for access or unusual interest in household routines should not automatically be dismissed.
This does not mean that every unfamiliar person is a criminal.
The objective is to recognise unusual behaviour, verify information and report genuine concerns.
Farmers should know:
who has legitimate access to the property;
which contractors and service providers are expected;
which employees and visitors should be present;
which gates and access roads are vulnerable;
where blind spots exist;
how quickly emergency assistance can realistically reach the property; and
how family members and employees will communicate during an emergency.
A security assessment should identify vulnerabilities before criminals identify them.
DO NOT ADVERTISE YOUR ROUTINE:
Social media can unintentionally provide criminals with information about a household.
Farmers and rural residents should avoid publicly revealing:
when the property is empty;
when family members are away;
where valuable equipment is kept;
when livestock is being moved;
when valuable deliveries are expected;
details about firearms or security equipment;
regular travel patterns; or
information that reveals the layout or vulnerabilities of the property.
The principle is simple:
Do not provide strangers with a detailed picture of your movements, routines, possessions and vulnerabilities.
ACCESS CONTROL MATTERS:
Rural properties can have extensive boundaries, multiple gates and informal access points. Complete physical control can therefore be difficult.
Nevertheless, vulnerable access points should be identified and monitored.
Where possible:
keep gates secured;
restrict unnecessary access;
verify unexpected visitors;
maintain functioning security lighting;
inspect damaged fencing and gates;
ensure employees understand access procedures; and
report suspicious or repeated attempts to gain access.
Security measures should be maintained consistently rather than only after a neighbouring property has been attacked.
VERIFY BEFORE YOU TRUST:
Criminals may attempt to obtain access under legitimate-looking pretences.
Someone may claim to be looking for employment, purchasing livestock or produce, delivering goods, providing a service or looking for another person.
This does not mean that such a person is necessarily a threat.
It does mean that verification should take place before access is granted.
Employment applicants should be appropriately identified and references checked.
Contractors and service providers should be independently verified using reliable contact details.
Verify first. Grant access second.
EMPLOYEES ARE PART OF THE SECURITY NETWORK:
Farm employees are often familiar with the property and may notice unusual activity before the owner does.
Employees should know how to report:
unfamiliar vehicles;
strangers asking unusual questions;
repeated attempts to obtain access;
damaged fences or gates;
suspicious activity around livestock or equipment; and
unusual interest in the farmer or family's movements.
Employees should never be expected to confront suspected criminals.
Information should be reported through established security channels.
Personal information concerning the farmer, family and property should also be treated as confidential.
PROTECT SECURITY INFORMATION:
Information about security systems, alarm response, household routines, valuable equipment, vehicles, firearms, staffing and access points can potentially assist criminal planning.
Security, therefore, includes information security.
Family members and employees should understand what information should not be disclosed to strangers or published online.
KNOW YOUR SECURITY NETWORK:
Isolation is a significant consideration in rural security.
Farmers should establish reliable communication with relevant:
SAPS structures;
Community Policing Forums;
rural-safety structures;
neighbouring farms;
private security providers; and
emergency and medical services.
Emergency numbers should be saved, communication systems tested and responsibilities understood before an emergency occurs.
RECOGNISE THE MODUS OPERANDI — NOT A STEREOTYPE:
There is no single reliable profile that applies to every farm attacker.
Historical descriptions sometimes portray attackers as young unemployed men, organised groups, people with military experience or offenders motivated primarily by hatred. Individual cases may contain some of these characteristics, but they should not be treated as a universal profile without case-specific evidence.
For security purposes, the more useful question is:
What behaviour or circumstances could indicate increased risk?
Criminal methods can include surveillance, deception, testing security arrangements, exploiting predictable routines and taking advantage of isolated locations.
The lesson is clear:
Do not assume that because nothing has happened recently, the property is not being observed.
SSS PUBLIC SAFETY MESSAGE:
Farm security is not the responsibility of one individual.
Farmers, farm workers, neighbours, security companies, agricultural organisations and SAPS each have a role to play.
The objective is to identify vulnerabilities, improve communication, detect suspicious activity early and ensure that assistance can be activated quickly.
Most importantly, security measures should be maintained before a crisis occurs.
Crime prevention begins long before an attacker reaches the property.
Know the vulnerabilities. Control access. Protect sensitive information. Verify unfamiliar requests.
Maintain communication systems. Know your neighbours and recognised safety structures.
Most importantly, do not allow heightened security to become a temporary reaction after an attack.
Security must become a routine, not a response to a crisis.
Specialised Security Services (SSS) remains focused on crime investigation, crime prevention and public education,
with specialist investigators available to assist victims and families with serious and complex cases.
RELEVANT SSS PROJECT:
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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