From L to R: PSNI Constable Colin McDonnell with Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson, Cllr Colin McCusker and Marc Woods discussing PSNI actions to tackle Rural Crime at the Mullahead Ploughing Match.
Following further recent incidents of rural crime Ulster Unionist MLA and Agriculture spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson has called for a totally new attitude to be taken towards those who engage in rural and farm crime.
Mrs Dobson met recently with PSNI Area Commanders Chief Inspector’s Joe McMinn and Ken Annett to discuss how they are addressing the concerns of people living and working in rural areas.
The Upper Bann MLA is calling on the PSNI and Judiciary to adopt that a new attitude towards rural crime. She wants this to include and increased number of successful convictions and tougher sentences for criminals once caught.
Commenting Jo-Anne said “Farmers often feel that those engaged in rural crime are somehow untouchable. It does not help to see small sentences of, in some cases, 90 days community service being handed out by the courts.
“For far too long farmers have been seen as soft targets for criminals because of their dependency on costly machinery. Those who live and work in isolated rural areas are especially vulnerable to thefts including quad bikes, livestock and tractors and machinery.
“Sadly the equipment which is taken is rarely recovered and few people are ever convicted with the offences - this has to change!
“During my discussions with the Chief Inspectors I was pleased to hear that the PSNI now have a closer working relationship with the Department of Justice. I hope that this will lead to tougher action being taken to identify those involved in rural crime and indeed to bring them properly to book.
“We need to see a totally new attitude from the judiciary towards crime from farms and houses in rural areas. It is simply not acceptable for the theft of a tractors, in many cases valued at over £70,000 to be treated any less than the theft of an expensive sports car. All too often this is the reality for farmers.
“Indeed the Justice Minister recently confirmed to me that the PSNI has made two arrests in relation to the recent tractor thefts in Armagh, Craigavon, Banbridge and Newry area.
Commenting, Ulster Unionist Council Candidate Marc Woods said: “I am pleased that the PSNI are starting to place greater emphasis on the recording of rural crimes. There have been a number of recent incidents around Waringstown and Donaghcloney and I would encourage people to be especially vigilant and report any incidents to the PSNI.
“Farmers and their families spend their lives building up their farm businesses and are right to demand decisive action against the criminals – once convicted, the sentences must fit the crime.”
In conclusion Mrs Dobson said: “I and my party colleagues will continue to raise this issue with those responsible to ensure that farmers are not left behind, otherwise innocent families will continue to pay the price for the thoughtless actions of others.”