Police in Angus, Scotland, are working alongside a range of partners to tackle crime in rural communities and enhance crime prevention.
The ‘Angus Partnership Against Rural Crime’ will see officers working with other local and national organisations to tackle offences like the theft of agricultural machinery, vehicles, tools, livestock or fuel; 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;
- National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS).
Police Scotland Insp. 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 are aware that fly-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, as well as providing us with any information about who is responsible.
“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.”
Ahmad said a coordinated approach will “make a real difference” as working together will reduce opportunities for criminals and provide communities with advice on deterring criminality.
“It is often perceived that rural communities are easy targets, but Angus is not a safe haven for criminals. I want to reassure residents and landowners that if you are affected, please report it to us and we will take action,” he said.
“I would encourage all to sign up to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme as it is a valuable source of information and alerts relating to local issues.”
NFU
A spokesperson for the NFU said rural crime continues to impact farmers and demonstrates the need for increased vigilance.
“It remains hugely important that our members continue to report all cases of rural crime, including theft, to the relevant authorities if we are to halt the increase in incidents in its tracks,” they said.
“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.”
