Farm insurer NFU Mutual has released their annual Rural Crime Report which has shown that theft in rural parts of Scotland cost the UK £1.6 million in 2016, a number they expect to increase significantly in 2017.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has previously spoken about the need for rural areas to be better protected by the police with organised gangs viewing farms and steadings as soft targets.
The report from NFU Mutual states that agricultural machinery theft followed by land rover and quad bike theft are the biggest issues for rural areas. Many farmers feel under siege from organised gangs who often stake out their properties before making their move.
In Perth and Kinross there has been a noted increase in the number of livestock and machinery thefts over the course of 2017.
Commenting Liz Smith MSP said;
“Farmers who live in remote and rural areas feel vulnerable to attack from organised gangs who spend days staking out their properties and often carry offensive weapons. This study from NFU Mutual highlights that the cost of rural crime has remained steady over the last number of years but they predict it to spike significantly in 2017.
“It’s important that the police liaise with farm owners about how best to insulate themselves from theft whilst also delivering strategies aimed at reducing rural crime.
“I would encourage farm owners across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire to consult with the NFU Mutual report and explore some of their suggestions for protecting their property, including the installation of CCTV, burglar alarms and vehicle tracking devices.”