Although this note refers to Perthshire in particular, it will be found that criminals are targeting farms and rural locations throughout our area, whether it be North, East, West or South Perthshire or in Ayrshire and the west of Scotland. The police are actively trying to detect these offences and would appreciate any assistance from the farming community in reporting incidents of a suspicious nature and the recording of vehicle registrations of unfamiliar vehicles.   Unfortunately it is noticeable that incidents of theft are not being reported to the police as people feel there is little point in reporting the issue.  We would ask that all incidents are reported because this could be the missing link to a bigger picture which would allow detection of the people responsible. Primarily thefts include stealing small plant, lawnmowers, strimmers etc as well as horses rugs from equine units and heating oils and red diesel.  There have also been instances of specific parts of agricultural machines being stolen.  It is the police’s intention to liaise with organisations such as Rural Services to assist members of the farming community with security issues and advice to prevent these incidents occurring. In order that this can be achieved we have the following advice: 

• Be vigilant and report any incident and sightings of suspicious persons and vehicles to police as soon as possible.
• Record all serial numbers of equipment
• Mark property by means of a unique identification mark as it is known that criminals are reluctant to steal items which have obvious identification features on them.
• Be suspicious of anyone found within the confines of the farm stating that they are there to purchase scrap.
• If possible, install security lighting.
• Have dogs restrained in areas near to high value items as it is a brave criminal who will take a chance with an angry dog.

 Further advice will be provided following consultation with yourselves as it is felt that this has to be a joint effort between the police and members of the rural community, in order that we can prevent this continuing crime trend.

Posted on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 4:12 pm.

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