In a bid to tackle agricultural crime in the rural community, a rural watch scheme for Dumfries and Galloway was re-launched on NFU Scotland’s stand at the local agricultural show on Saturday.
Run by Police Scotland in conjunction with NFU Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Rural Watch works by sharing alerts and crime prevention information relating specifically to farms and rural areas within the region.
This re-launch coincides with ongoing work between Police Scotland, NFU Scotland and other rural organisations to bring these issues to the fore.
Rural crime is costing those who live and work in the Scottish countryside almost £2million a year, with the most common items targeted by thieves being quad bikes, tools and fuel.
NFU Scotland Regional Manager for Dumfries and Galloway Teresa Dougall commented: “We would encourage all our members from across Dumfries and Galloway to sign up to Farm Watch and benefit from the sharing of local knowledge and intelligence.
“This re-launch will allow members to put forward ideas they believe could help improve the scheme in line with those who live and work in the area and should allow for enhanced collaboration with Police Scotland. Through a more joined up approach within the region, we will be better placed to tackle the issues of rural crime in our area.
“This will to complement the work that is ongoing more centrally between NFU Scotland, Police Scotland and other land-based organisations.”
Inspector Stuart Wilson of Community Policing Unit at Police Scotland commented: “Dumfries and Galloway is an area of natural beauty and has a long and rich history of agriculture. We can sometimes forget that because we live in such a rural area that it is a ‘low crime’ area, not a ‘no crime’ area. We must all continue to work together to be watchful and ensure that we prevent crimes from happening in our area both from those who are opportunistic and those that are part of organised gangs.
“Farm Watch has been in operation in our area for a number of years and gives the opportunity to have premises visited by a local Crime Reduction Officer who can offer advice in relation to a number of aspects of farm and house security. It is free and can be arranged at a time which suits you.
“Farm Watch also gives the opportunity to become part of our text alert scheme which notifies you of suspicious activity or vehicles in your area or to ask for your assistance in tracing people who may be at risk, such as missing persons.”
