The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said that it remains committed to working alongside farmers to tackle rural crime, which is on the increase. It has been revealed that rural crime in Northern Ireland cost around £4.2 million over the past year.
Agriculture crime has gone up by 6% in the UK, according to one of the leading rural insurance companies. Most targeted are oil and red diesel, along with farm quad bikes, which come at the top of the list. Hazel Mouchka, who is Inspector at Cookstown said that tackling crime in rural areas is among the key priorities of police in the area.
She went on to say that police, along with those who live in rural locations, can work together to stop rural crimes, which can have a devastating effect on the livelihoods of farmers. Farmers often rely on farm quads to get around their land and take care of livestock and crops.
The inspector added that ongoing work remains significant throughout the Northern Ireland region, with Crime Prevention along with Neighbourhood Officers working with farmers to determine their needs. They are also able to provide advice and support on how farmers are able to secure their farms and equipment.
Farmers can minimise the chances of vandalism and theft by keeping quads in a locked premises, removing keys from the ignition, and engaging the immobilizer. They are also advised to keep a full record of the quad’s details, including its serial number.