Be more vigilant to rural crime warns manufacturer

Asgard Secure Steel Storage is highlighting the need for the agricultural community and farming industries to be more vigilant about securing expensive items of equipment following a recent survey by a leading rural insurer.

Theft in the countryside increased by 5.7 per cent in 2002 - the first national rise for four years - according a review of claims settlements by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Asgard Secure Steel Storage manufactures a range of highly secure storage units specifically designed to keep equipment, including chainsaws, tools and drills, safe from the threat of burglary.

The report also highlights the growing number of thefts of riding equipment including tack and saddles. The Asgard range is so versatile that the units can be suitably employed in stables as well as outbuildings, workshops and garages.

Luke Borwick, Managing Director of Asgard Secure Steel Storage said: "With rural crime on the increase people living in the countryside are becoming more worried about the safety of their property and possessions than ever before. Employing security measures can deter potential burglars from attempting to break in. It is important to review security measures regularly and look at the varying options that would be beneficial to the safety of their tools of the trade."

He added: "The Asgard Secure Steel Storage range has been developed specifically for the protection of expensive equipment that is stored outside of the home. We have carried out extensive independent testing to the security of the product, which has been tested by the Loss Prevention Certification Board to LPS 1175 Security Rating 1. We have seen an increase in interest in the units since our appearance at the prestigious agricultural event, The Royal Show and the publication of this survey."