THE PSNI across the North West have joined in a new campaign aimed at tackling rural crime by roaming gangs of thieves.
The new campaign is entitled: Seen it? Heard it? Speak up about it? Stop rural crime.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Today, we officially launched a campaign to help tackle agricultural and rural crime.
“We work with our partners as part of the Rural Crime Partnership, and we have been working closely with Crimestoppers to encourage reporting and ask the public to give information anonymously about rural crime.
“By appealing for more eyes and ears across the countryside, raising awareness of the signs of rural crime and urging the public to contact Crimestoppers anonymously, we can tackle those who seek to target the rural community in this way.”
Speaking on behalf of the Rural Crime Partnership, PSNI Superintendent Brian Kee, service lead for rural and wildlife crime, said: “As part of our continuing work, the Rural Crime Partnership have been working very closely with Crimestoppers and very much welcomes the launch of this campaign which raises awareness of rural crime issues and encourages people to provide information anonymously. I would encourage people to come forward with information.
“I am acutely aware that rural crime has a significant impact on victims, and the economic losses caused by theft of property can have far reaching consequences for individuals, businesses and the economy.
“As a Police Service, we are also aware of the distinct set of circumstances facing a rural community, that’s why it is important to do whatever we can and to work with our partners to provide the best possible service.
“Information received from Crimestoppers will be combined with intelligence from other sources to build a more detailed picture of rural crime in Northern Ireland, driving further focused prevention, investigation and enforcement activity by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Rural Crime Partnership and our partners and rural communities.”
“Rural crime has a significant impact on farm businesses and the wider local community. Victims are left feeling vulnerable and demoralised and it is an issue that must be tackled,” says UFU President Barclay Bell.
“We understand the impact crime against the farming community has on farmers, their families and their businesses. That is why we welcome the launch of this campaign.”
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