Question
We would like to inquire to what discussions the PSNI has held with local governments across NI regarding steps to reduce (a) agricultural equipment theft, (b) livestock theft and (c) other rural crime.
Response
The Police Service is a member of the Rural Crime Partnership (RCP). The Partnership is chaired by the Department for Justice’s Community Safety Division. Other members include the Ulster Farmers’ Union, NFU Mutual, Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, the Federation of Small Businesses, a representative from a Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
Police Service representatives are Superintendent Brian Kee (Service Lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime), Ms Samantha Corr (Strategic Communications and Engagement Department) who is de facto the Press Officer for the RCP and Mr Chris Sloan (Strategic Lead for Crime Prevention in the Police Service).
Our Statistics Branch publish a quarterly bulletin on Rural and Agricultural Crime in Northern Ireland. The latest bulletin was published on 17th May 2021 and identifies that there were 291 agricultural crimes in NI in the 12 months to 31st March 2021, a 24.4% reduction on the previous 12 months and a 69% reduction on the baseline of 937 agricultural crimes in 2010/11.
Clearly, 2020/21 was an unusual year and the bulletin to 31st March 2020 identifies that there were 385 agricultural crimes in that year, a reduction of 59% on the 2010/11 baseline.
Some examples of work ongoing with partners in local government include:
- Local Police, particularly Crime Prevention Officers and Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers, work with their PCSP’s to promote the local FarmWatch schemes. The key aim of FarmWatch is to promote the importance of being vigilant and the need for improved communication - both within rural and farming communities and between rural communities and the Police Service.
- Trailer marking events take place in partnership with the PCSP. This project is to be extended in the near future, whereby, through funding from NFU Mutual quads will also be marked with CESAR Data-tagging. NFU Mutual are hopeful of 200 quads being marked during this financial year
- Text Alerts are circulated by both PCSP and PSNI and the use of Nextdoor APP to raise awareness of emerging Crime trends with preventative rural advice.
- Selecta DNA, Trailer marking, FarmWatch and the Text Alert scheme are part of the Rural Crime Package offered and supported by PCSP’s. The Selecta DNA Forensic marking also provides a wider package to cover all Farm Vehicles and highly valued Farming Equipment aimed at tackling Rural Crime.
- Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and No Cold Calling zones, again in association with the local PCSP, are raising awareness and encouraging reporting of Rogue Traders and Cold Callers
- Raising awareness of scams for farmers and agricultural businesses has also been a priority, Police Service in Partnership with PCSP’s have circulated specific advice to the Rural Community to raise awareness of these types of Scams. PCSP’s also offered training on the use of Internet etc. and PSNI promoted and circulated the Scam Wise NI Partnership leaflets to the rural community
- Police and a Council have been successful in attaining 3 x Anti-social Behaviour Orders against individuals who were causing alarm, harassment and distress to members of the farming community in County Antrim. In addition, in relation to trespass, suspected hare coursing and threatening behaviour, Police have issued an additional 7 warning letters to individuals who have been reported on private lands. Police have re-introduced the Op Lepus signage to reinforce the message that Wildlife Crime will not be tolerated in the area.
- As restrictions start to ease it is hoped that Police Service and Partners will again be able to attend events such as the Balmoral Show, Agricultural Shows, County Shows, Steam Rally and Game Fairs to engage face to face with the rural and agricultural community.
Police also have good engagement with local government in relation to animal welfare and wildlife crime. Under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2021 Local Councils investigate animal welfare matters in relation to non-farmed animals, DAERA investigate in respect of farmed animals and PSNI investigate wildlife crime and animal fighting offences. An MOU exists between the three agencies in relation to our investigation and enforcement responsibilities. This work is coordinated through a Multi-Agency Animal Welfare Forum attended by senior officials from all three enforcement bodies. PSNI is represented by Superintendent Kee and Emma Meredith, Service Wildlife Liaison Officer.
The good working relationship that exists between the enforcement bodies ensures that Local Councils and/or DAERA assist in Police Service led investigations, for example, a recent search by the Paramilitary Crime Task Force in County Antrim when dogs were seized. Police also assist in Council/DAERA investigations, for example Operation Paws for Thought (Council Animal Welfare Officers investigation into the illegal trade in puppies).
In relation to wildlife crime, the Police Service is represented on and co-chair the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime in Northern Ireland (PAWNI). Again, this is a multi-agency Group bringing together a diversity of interests from the Statutory and Voluntary sectors, all with the common aim of the prevention and detection of wildlife crime.
John Blair - Alliance