The Dumfries and Galloway Partners Against Rural Crime met on Wednesday 17 August 2016 at Police Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway Divisional Headquarters at Cornwall Mount in Dumfries. Police Scotland Chief Inspector Stuart Davidson who chairs the group said “Police Scotland understand the concern that exists in the community about rural crime and we treat this as a priority, working with a number of partners to tackle the issue.
“The financial cost of crime to rural businesses is significant, and for the victims of these crimes it can go beyond the cost of simply replacing the property stolen; loss of earnings, hiring of replacement vehicles etc. Generally speaking, a Rural Crime is one which affects any person living, working or visiting a Rural Area. This is any geographic area located outside a town or city or any area within a small town or village and will include farms, businesses, private dwellings, country estates, woodland or forestry areas.
“Typical crimes which may amount to a Rural Crime are:
- All types of theft involving vehicles, machinery, equipment, metal, fuel and livestock;
- Housebreaking and Opening Lockfast Places in respect of commercial and domestic properties;
- Wilful damage to property including Vandalism and Malicious Mischief;
- “Crimes against livestock and other protected animals, including livestock worrying.
“This list is not exclusive and any other crimes could be considered – particularly where the perpetrator has travelled to a rural area for the purpose of committing the crime.
“Each local policing division is working with partners to enhance intelligence, prevention and enforcement activity through their Rural and Wildlife Crime Governance Groups. Each local policing division has a rural and wildlife crime lead who can be contacted for local issues, I am the lead for Dumfries and Galloway Division regarding rural crime and Constable Andy Wheeler, Divisional HQ for wildlife crime”
“Rural Crime is a priority for Police Scotland and here in Dumfries and Galloway we are working with partners and within communities to enhance intelligence, prevention and enforcement activity in connection with rural crime.
“While most people in rural areas experience low levels of crime, when it does happen, it can have a disproportionate effect as victims can feel a greater sense of isolation and vulnerability. A partnership approach is an effective way to reduce crime in rural areas by targeting offenders and enhancing crime prevention and the Dumfries and Galloway Partnership Against Rural Crime has been set up to work together with partner organisations such as the National Farmers Union of Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates to prevent crime and protect rural communities.
“Residents in rural locations can assist police by taking simple security measures to reduce the opportunities for criminals to commit a crime against their property. There is a booklet entitled “Guide to Security in the Rural Environment” and other crime prevention advice which can be found on the Police Scotland website. This site has valuable information for all those who live and work in our countryside.” https://www.scotland.police.uk/keep-safe/home-and-personal-property/rural-crime
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