Police are conducting a number of proactive operations across a number of districts in the next few weeks as part of a targeted campaign to tackle rural crime.
Rural and agricultural crime is a serious issue and police understand the concerns of those who have been directly involved. It is important to stress that the PSNI takes a robust approach in tackling all crime, including those which affect the rural community.
The operation was part of an initiative, which has been supported by officers across a number of the PSNI’s policing districts, including Newry Mourne & Down, Fermanagh & Omagh; Mid Ulster; Armagh, and Banbridge & Craigavon.
Outlining the aims of the Police operation, Supt. Paul Reid said: “We are committed to reducing rural and agricultural crime across Northern Ireland. Police want to work towards reducing opportunities for this type of crime by increasing public awareness, working with other partner agencies to identify ways of preventing crime, and targeting and arresting those committing such offences. As part of our commitment to tackling rural crime, we will be conducting vehicle check points and visiting marts and farms.
“Rural and agriculture crime affects more than just those people who are direct victims; it impacts on jobs, the environment and the economy. It is a concern for all of us and I would therefore ask for assistance from the public in providing information that may support us in continuing to prevent crime and arresting those individuals or gangs that carry out offences within rural communities.
“This initiative is important in helping to prevent crime against the rural community and to build even closer relationships between all agencies, the PSNI and the farming community. The prevention and detection of rural and agricultural crime continues every day to support the rural community and we are keen to work with them to address this issue.”
