How secure are our rural homes?

Abstract

The typical New Zealand farmhouse is set back from the road, not too close to any nearby houses. Surrounded by paddocks, it usually has a garden of flowers and shrubs, and often some screening with bigger trees or hedging. Such a scene adds to the attractiveness of our green and pleasant land, but it can also be very attractive to anyone contemplating the possibility of criminal activity out of sight - or sound - of neighbours. The establishment of neighbourhood watch schemes and neighbourhood support groups in our local urban areas is seen by the law enforcement agencies to be a very positive step towards the prevention of crime in residential areas; but will this encourage the criminal into the countryside? Should rural people be taking similar measures toward their own protection? Do rural dwellers feel that any such precautions are necessary; do they believe themselves to be at risk from the threat of criminal activity?