New partnership initiative to tackle rural crime

As part of The Angus Partnership Against Rural Crime, officers will conduct a range of partnership activity alongside 12 other local and national organisations to deal with offences ranging from theft of agricultural machinery, vehicles, tools, livestock or fuel to fire-raising, housebreaking, fly tipping and vandalism.

The collaborative approach will involve the support and assistance of Angus Council, Forestry and Land Scotland, Neighbourhood Watch (Scotland), Zero Waste Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Scottish Water, British Horse Society, Heritage Scotland and National Farmers Union (Scotland).

Police Scotland Inspector Mahboob Ahmad, from Carnoustie Police Station, said: “Angus is a beautiful part of Scotland but sadly is often a target for criminals in our rural communities.

“We’re aware that flying tipping is a particular issue, and for the next 12 months, police and relevant partners will be carrying out patrols in key areas where this offence has been prevalent, as well as engaging with communities to encourage the public to report any incidents of fly-tipping they witness.

“The personal impact that becoming a victim of crime has, along with financial loss can be devastating to people, particularly if farming equipment, fuel or livestock is targeted. There is no doubt that having a co-ordinated approach will make a real difference. By working together we can reduce opportunities for criminals and provide communities with advice on deterring criminality.”

An NFU spokesperson added: “Rural crime, whether it is vehicle, machinery or fuel theft, livestock attacks by dogs, fly-tipping, arson or vandalism, continues to impact on farmers and demonstrates the need for increased vigilance. It remains hugely important that our members continue to report all cases of rural crime to the relevant authorities if we are to halt the increase in incidents in its tracks.”

“At a national level, we work closely with the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) to ensure our members concerns are heard and the positive steps we are taking towards reducing rural crime in Scotland continue. At a regional level, we also encourage our members to be as involved as possible with the many regional PARCs established in Scotland in this case Angus PARC.

“We are taking rural crime very seriously and these are the best platforms to give and receive up-to-date information on criminal activity at a local level.”