Warning as rural crime rises by 62%

Action: Security check lists issued

Brazen criminal gangs are cutting a swathe through Scotland’s farms stealing ever-increasing amounts of livestock and machinery.

New figures estimate rural crime cost Scotland £1.6 million last year – up 62% compared to 2017 – and farmers are being warned thieves will seize upon any opportunity they are given.

Leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, is urging farmers and those who live in the country to join forces with police and carry out pre-winter security checks.

Its warnings come as the National Police Chiefs’ Council launches its Wildlife and Rural Crime Week of Action, which runs from October 6-13.

Martin Malone, NFU Mutual manager for Scotland, said: “Crime is now a major concern to Scotland’s rural communities.

“There is still a perception among criminals that there are easy targets in the countryside but farmers and homeowners can do a lot to deter thieves by taking simple security measures.”

Thefts of high-value tractors, quad bikes and other farm vehicles cost the UK £7.4m in 2018 – a 26% increase.

And as winter is fast approaching, NFU Mutual is recommending that farmers go to the nearest road to their property and look at their farm from a criminal’s point of view.

They have also issued a check list urging people to test whether locks, alarms, security lights and other security measures are in place and working.

Other simple advice includes joining a Rural Watch scheme, removing keys from vehicles, keeping machinery locked up and installing immobilisers and trackers on machinery.