‘Troubling’ district has highest agriculture crime

‘Troubling’ district has highest agriculture crime

17 September 2025

THE Newry, Mourne and Down area is a hot bed for agriculture crime.

Police have revealed the council area has the highest rate of crime across the province’s 11 local authorities, with livestock and machinery being stolen by thieves at a worrying rate which has left farmers counting the cost.

Local politicians are alarmed at what’s happening and say they are acutely aware of the hardship rural crime is having on the farming community.

And they insist the current crime spree must not be allowed to go unchecked.

Last week, the chairman of the district’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) visited the Slieve Croob area to meet local farmers and listen to their concerns as part of Rural Crime Awareness Week.

Mournes councillor Henry Reilly was joined by his DUP colleague, Alan Lewis, who described their discussions with local farmers as both “constructive and sobering”.

They heard at first hand the impact of machinery and livestock thefts and described news that the local council area tops the league table for such crimes as “deeply troubling”.

But the councillors say they were encouraged by the “resilience and innovation” of local farmers, many of whom are already planning crop yields up to a decade ahead and adopting forward-thinking, sustainable farming practices to adapt to changing markets and environmental conditions.

They said their vision for the future demonstrates both the ingenuity and determination of the agricultural community.

During the visit to local farms, the councillors had an opportunity to see how preventative crime measures are working on the ground, for example, trailer-marking initiatives spearheaded by the PCSP.

They described what’s happening as an “excellent example” of a practical step that protects equipment, supports farmers and acts as a deterrent to criminals.

Cllr Lewis said he was “committed” to ensuring these schemes are supported and expanded so they remain available to all farmers right across the district.

He added: “I want to extend my sincere thanks to farmers Alan Chambers, Uel Watson and many others who took the time to speak with us during these engagements. Their contributions, insights, and lived experiences are invaluable in shaping how we respond to rural crime.”

Cllr Reilly confirmed he will be raising the issue of the district’s high agricultural crime rate at the next PCSP meeting and that along with his party colleague, will continue to engage directly with the PSNI Rural Crime Taskforce.

“It is vital that this partnership approach continues and that rural crime remains firmly on the policing agenda,” said Cllr Reilly.

“Rural crime continues to cause real hardship for farming families and it’s unacceptable that Newry, Mourne and Down is again at the top of the statistics for agricultural thefts. I want to assure farmers that their concerns are being heard and acted upon.”

Cllr Reilly said that through continued partnership with the PCSP and the PSNI Rural Crime Taskforce, he will work to ensure that tackling rural crime remains a priority.

“Farmers are at the heart of our district, and they deserve our full support,” he declared, explaining that it was important for him to be in Slieve Croob and hear directly from local farmers about the challenges they face. 

Cllr Reilly said the PCSP has already invested in trailer-marking and other initiatives, but the crime figures show that more must be done.

He plans to raise the district’s high levels of agricultural crime at the next PCSP meeting and is committed to working closely with councillors, the farming community, and the PSNI to drive down the numbers.

He added: “Rural communities are the backbone of Newry, Mourne and Down. 

“Farmers work tirelessly to feed us and sustain our local economy and deserve to feel safe and supported in doing so. 

“I will continue working alongside my colleagues, the PCSP and PSNI to make sure every possible step is taken to tackle rural crime and protect the livelihoods of those who contribute so much to our district and to Northern Ireland as a whole.”