Rural Crime Campaign - Reminder

As lockdown restrictions ease across Scotland, independent charity Crimestoppers in partnership with Network Rail recently launched a campaign encouraging the public to speak up about people responsible for harming Scotland’s countryside.

With many people planning trips to the countryside, the anticipated impact of large visitor numbers and effects of rural crime can be devastating to the environment.

Over 95% of Scotland is classed as rural and NFU Mutual estimate that rural crime costs Scotland around £1.8 million annually, with levels reportedly increasing.

Crimestoppers together with Police Scotland and wider rural and environmental organisations are asking the public to spot the signs of rural crime and give information 100% anonymously.

The key crimes that Scotland’s rural areas experience are:

• House-breaking
• Theft of farm equipment, vehicles and machinery
• Livestock-related crimes: theft and dog attacks
• Fly-tipping and industrial waste dumping
• Hare coursing and badger baiting
• Fuel theft – domestic and commercial
• Heritage & cultural property crime including illegal metal detecting
• Wildlife crime
• Wilful fire-raising

If you know or suspect who is involved in rural crime contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously. Call 0800 555 111

Original Message Sent By Willie Clark (NHWN, National Co - ordinator, NW Scotland)