Police urge farmers to secure property after a spate of rural thefts

Farmers and crofters are being encouraged to take steps to protect their proper ty following a spate of farm thefts.

Police Scotland is urging producers to review the security of their holdings and pay close attention to machinery and equipment such as tractor GPS kits, which are being targeted by criminals across the UK.

“We are asking farmers to be vigilant of organised criminals who target rural communities and specifically GPS systems,” said crime reduction officer PC Mark Irvine, from the north-east police division.

“We would advise people, where possible, to secure their vehicles and systems in lockable buildings, to remove keys and keep them in secure locations, and to mark property to make them distinctive.

“Also ensure you have a note of their full descriptions and serial numbers, and consider 4 G-enabled CCTV systems to protect property in isolated locations.”

His colleague Detective Sergeant Scott McKay said there had been a number of rural thefts in the north-east of Scotland in the past month, including a rise in the theft of power tools.

He urged farmers to report any strange activities they witness and said: “It is important that those in the rural communities report all suspicious activity to Police Scotland.

“This information can be shared through Rural Watch Scotland and help to build an intelligence picture around these criminals, which can help police to take action.”

Organised criminals are targeting rural businesses.