A new task force has been set up in an effort to protect homes and businesses across Perth and Kinross from rising levels of rural crime.
In recent months there has been a spate of theft and vandalism in Kinross-shire and across Highland Perthshire, which traditionally enjoys low crime levels.
It is feared organised criminal gangs have targeted the area, branching out from Angus, which is another current hotspot.
In an attempt to tackle the issue, the Police Scotland-led Perth and Kinross Rural Crime Steering Group has been established.
Area Commander Chief Inspector Maggie Pettigrew was joined at its first meeting by several organisations who work in partnership to tackle rural crime.
Others involved include the National Farmers Union Scotland, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, SEPA, the RSPB, Perth and Kinross Countryside Initiative and the British Deer Association.
Sergeant Amanda Nicolson said: “We know that a coordinated, preventative approach can make a real difference in tackling rural crime and the steering group will look to spearhead collaborative efforts at a local level to reduce opportunities for offenders.
“Perth and Kinross has a vast rural landscape with many rural communities, which are all too often targeted by criminals travelling to the area specifically to commit crime including thefts of quad bikes, trailers, livestock and fuel.
“Our rural communities contribute significantly to the local economy through agriculture, tourism and leisure and we want to protect them through awareness and crime prevention.
“We want to ensure that criminals don’t benefit from our rich pickings and we want to ensure that we maintain our focus on reducing rural crime.”
The steering group will identify emerging crime patterns and trends and work to address the concerns of communities..
One of the first initiatives to come out of the group will be the staging of a rural crime event in February 2017.
Residents and business owners in Perth and Kinross are encouraged to sign up via www.pkcommunitywatch.co.uk.
Mrs Nicolson added: “The sharing of information is vital in the fight against rural crime.
“We continue to encourage residents to report suspicious vehicles or persons and pass on information in relation to crime by calling Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
