PSNI should do more to tackle rural crime

PSNI should do more to tackle rural crime

20 August 2014

THE PSNI must deploy more resources to reverse an increase in rural and farming crime, according to a South Down MLA.

Sinn Fein’s Chris Hazzard said he was concerned at the results of a survey carried out by NFU Mutual, which showed a 15 per cent increase in rural crime in Northern Ireland in 2013.

“This vindicates the position Sinn Féin took in demanding a separate PSNI unit to deal with this type of crime,” he said.

“Over the past year we have seen a rise in the planned stealing of livestock and heavy plant equipment as well as opportunistic criminals targeting sheds and farmyards.

“However, the police unit dealing with this type of crime consists 

of only four people. If we are serious about tackling crime against 

the farming community then more resources need to be given to this unit.

“I intend to get this matter raised at the Policing Board to how we can best protect the farming community as they go about their daily business.” 

In response, Superintendent Brian Kee said the PSNI was working tirelessly to deal with the issue of rural crime.

“We understand the importance of our rural communities and the role they play in the local economy, and understand the fact that thefts of machinery and livestock hamper a farmer’s ability to do their job and causes significant upset, inconvenience and loss of income,” he said.

“Local officers work hard to raise awareness of crime prevention and the steps people can take to help ensure they don’t fall victim to this type of crime.

“We encourage members of the rural community to register with our Farm Watch scheme which means they are then given Farm Watch branded signage to erect at their farm, home or along the roadside to act as a deterrent to would-be criminals as well as being provided with a unique property marking kit to security mark any valuable equipment.

“Officers also regularly host trailer marking and information events at local marts and rural groups which involves painting a unique ID mark on trailers and other farm equipment in an easily visible area using specialist paint and stencils.

“TRACKER or CESAR technology fitted to farming equipment also helps police recover valuable machinery. Indeed, it was recently announced that farmers across Northern Ireland are now able to access a discount when purchasing a TRACKER device to be fitted to a tractor.”

Appealing for help from the local community, Superintendent Kee added: “Information from the community is also vital in helping us address rural crime. You know your own area best and if you notice something which does not look right, are aware of machinery moving at odd times or notice unusual attention being paid to livestock in fields, phone police.”

Anyone who is interested in learning more can contact their neighbourhood policing team on 101.