A major police operation to tackle a spike in Perthshire’s rural crime has halved the number of incidents reported in less than six months.
Police Scotland launched Operation Tigerclaw after an unprecedented number of quad bikes were stolen from farms in the Perth and Kinross area at the end of 2015.
Now, after disrupting an organised gang, Police Scotland is aiming to keep crime down by teaming up with NFU Scotland (NFUS) to hold a conference for farmers in Perth tomorrow where specialists will give advice on crime and fire prevention, dog control, wildlife crime and agricultural cybercrime.
Community Sergeant Amanda Nicolson said it was an opportunity for rural businesses and farmers to discuss their rural crime concerns face to face.
She added: “There will be demonstrations on forensic marking using SelectaDNA and CESAR marking to keep agricultural property safe. SSE will be providing information on energy-related agricultural crime, including cable theft. Scottish Fire and Rescue will provide inputs on fire safety and prevention and Scottish Agricultural College will be discussing pathological investigations involving wild and domestic animals.
“A number of partners will have stands at the event including SelectaMark, NFU Scotland, Perth and Kinross Community Watch, Tracker Network UK, Eclipse Security, Royal Highland Education Trust and SSE.”
Speaking ahead of the event, NFUS president, Allan Bowie said rural crime didn’t just impact farmers, but everyone working and living in the rural community.
“NFUS welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Police Scotland to raise awareness of the practical steps farmers can take to protect their property. We would encourage as many people as possible living in rural Perthshire to attend this event,” he said.
Speakers at the conference include Chief Superintendent Gavin Robertson, Police Scotland’s lead for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC); Constable Blair Wilkie, Wildlife Crime officer for Tayside Division and Community Sergeant David Hayes, who will be speaking about dog control on farmland. Stuart Ward, Police Scotland’s National Architectural Liaison Support Officer will also be providing crime prevention advice for farmers.
The free event at Huntingtower Hotel, Perth starts at 10am and is open to all farmers and rural businesses.
