FARMWATCH LIMITED
In 1987 Norfolk was one of the first counties in the Country to start up a Farmwatch scheme. The scheme was set up in the Downham Market area of West Norfolk, because of the high incidence of Rural Crime and the perceived need to do more to assist the police to combat it. The scheme was set up and run by the police and gradually spread across the County. It was successful in reducing the levels of crime. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources the police were unable to continue to service the scheme and it began to dwindle. In 1994 Tony Bone a retired Officer from Norfolk Constabulary took over the administration of the scheme and operated from the National Farmers Union Offices in Downham Market at that time Farmwatch had just 25 members. Now Farmwatch has members across many Counties. Unlike Neighbourhood Watch or Homewatch Farmwatch does not use the cascade system to inform its members, it uses a direct approach to each member. Farmwatch is aware that farmers have enough call upon their time without having to ring round their neighbours to pass on messages. Derek Stuart joined Tony in 1996 and as the workload increased Tony moved from the NFU offices and works from Mill House, Wramplingham near Norwich.
In July 2004 the Company Farmwatch Ltd was formed when Danny Cracknell joined Tony as Co Directors of the Company. Danny was instrumental in the setting up the original Farmwatch back in 1987 and having retired from Norfolk Constabulary is now working with Tony and Derek.
