Farms owners urged to increase security to deter organised gangs

Under siege farmers across Perth and Kinross and Stirling have been urged to take steps to protect their property from criminals.

New figures from farm insurer NFU Mutual reveal theft in rural parts of Scotland cost the UK £1.6 million in 2016.

That figure is down significantly on 2015, when the cost was as high as £2.4 million, but the downturn will only be temporary.

The sum is expected to increase dramatically in 2017 as organised gangs have become ever more sophisticated and predatory.

Within Perth and Kinross there has already been a notable increase in the number of livestock and machinery thefts during 2017, with high-value agricultural machinery and quad bikes among the most popular items.

Thieves are said to be staking out properties before making their move, enabling them to identify potential soft targets, and there remain concerns that security in many rural areas remains too lax.

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith said: “Farmers who live in remote and rural areas feel vulnerable to attack from organised gangs who spend days staking out their properties and often carry offensive weapons.

“It’s important that the police liaise with farm owners about how best to insulate themselves from theft.

“I would encourage farm owners across Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Clackmannanshire to consult NFU Mutual’s report and explore some of their suggestions for protecting properties.

“They include the installation of CCTV, burglar alarms and vehicle tracking devices.”