Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has praised the Ulster Farmers Union for hosting a conference on tackling rural crime, and is calling on the PSNI and Judiciary to take a tougher stance against the criminals.
Making her comments following attending the conference Mrs Dobson said:
"Criminals care little for the devastation, worry and heartbreak which they leave in their wake. That's why a more robust response from police and handing down tougher sentences for criminals are both absolutely key to tackling rural crime.
"Whilst, amongst others, the PSNI have been engaged in trailer marking, and the innovative 'Farm Watch Scheme' in some areas of Northern Ireland including my own constituency, ultimately I want to see an increased number of successful convictions and tougher sentences for the criminals once caught.
"It hasn't helped farming families, many of them elderly, who have been the victim of rural crime to see criminals handed, in some cases, 90 days of community service - this is no deterrent to future crime.
“For far too long farmers, and their families, have been seen as soft targets for criminals. This is largely because of their dependency on costly machinery and the vulnerability which comes from living and working in isolated rural areas, making quad bikes, livestock, as well as tractors and machinery, targets for the criminals.
“Sadly the equipment which is taken is rarely recovered and few people are ever convicted with the offences -this has to change.
“We need a sea-change in attitude towards crime from farms and rural households. It's simply not acceptable for the theft of 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 faced by farmers.
"I have represented families who have become the target of criminals in my own constituency, bringing their cases, and their frustrations, to the attention of senior PSNI Officers.
"And with each new case it remains evident to me that there is a lot of room to improve the way in which rural crime is addressed and tackled."
"I commend UFU Deputy President Barclay Bell for the work he is doing to bring the issue of rural crime to the fore and indeed to all the officers and staff who helped to organise the conference.
"I and my party colleagues will continue to raise this issue with those responsible to ensure that farmers and their families are not left at the mercy of the thoughtless and callous actions of others."
Picture:
Attending the UFU Rural Crime Conference were from L to R Michael Reid, Chief Executive YFCU, UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson, UFU President Ian Marshall and UFU Deputy President Barclay Bell.