Police Scotland Area Commander’s Report

Rural Crime

Perth & Kinross has traditionally been a target for organised criminals who are focusing their attention on farm and plant equipment ranging from quad bikes to trailers. Indeed only this week an expensive tractor and quad bike was stolen from a farm near Blairingone.

There are a number of simple measures that can be put in place to disrupt and prevent criminal activity around your property.

Reduce access by removing all gates and entrances that are no longer in use and replacing them with a permanent fence or other barrier; secure all gates with good padlocks and repair fencing promptly to prevent/restrict any future unauthorised access.

If possible park vehicles as close to your premises as possible, preferably out of sight from nearby roads

Remove keys when not in use

Fit wheel clamps and/or locking posts or consider an alarm

Park larger vehicles in front of access doors to prevent easy access

Mark or customise your property so that it’s easily identifiable. This can deter thieves and assist recovery if they are stolen. CESAR is the nationally recognised marking scheme and vehicles in the scheme are 4 times less likely to be stolen and 6 times more likely to be identified. This can have a beneficial impact on your insurance premiums.

Whilst this may seem excessive to some a lot of the actions mentioned above are simple and do not cost the earth. Time and again I read crime reports whereby quad bikes, trailers and other machinery are left insecure, easily accessible and occasionally even with the keys still within.

If we can make it difficult for organised crime gangs to target our communities then they will quickly look elsewhere for easier prey.

For more information and advice visit www.ruralwatchscotland.co.uk or Police Scotland’s own website and search for rural crime.