Police advice on how to deter rural crime gangs

Rural areas in Perth and Kinross are continuing to be targeted by professional criminals who are focusing their attention on farm and plant equipment ranging from quad bikes to trailers.

Police are now issuing advice to residents on how to combat criminal activity.

Chief Inspector Graham Binnie, the region’s area commander, said:“Reduce access by removing all gates and entrances that are no longer in use and replacing them with a permanent fence or other barrier; secure all gates with good padlocks and repair fencing promptly to prevent/restrict any future unauthorised access.

“If possible park vehicles as close to your premises as possible, preferably out of sight from nearby roads.

“Remove keys when not in use.

“Fit wheel clamps and/or locking posts or consider an alarm.

“Park larger vehicles in front of access doors to prevent easy access.

“Mark or customise your property so that it’s easily identifiable. This can deter thieves and assist recovery if they are stolen. CESAR is the nationally recognised marking scheme and vehicles in the scheme are four times less likely to be stolen and six times more likely to be identified. This can have a beneficial impact on your insurance premiums.

“If we can make it difficult for organised crime gangs to target our communities then they will quickly look elsewhere for easier prey”

For more information and advice visit www. ruralwatchscotland.co.uk or Police Scotland’s own website and search for rural crime.

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