The threat of rural crime is sadly an all too common concern for those living and working within the landscapes of Scotland.

The Scottish Farmer spoke with Tom French, a member of the NFUS legal and technical committee and the NFUS representative for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). Tom provided insights into the most common types of rural crimes, how they’ve changed in recent years, and the strategies being used to combat these threats.

Q. What are the most common types of rural crimes occurring on farms in Scotland?

A. Analysis of data from Police Scotland, raised for SPARC, indicates that the most common types of crimes affecting farms and rural areas include:

  • Livestock offences
  • Theft of motor vehicles and farm machinery
  • Fuel theft
  • Fly-tipping

Q. How has rural crime in Scotland changed over the years? Are there any emerging trends?

A. While rural crime incidents in Scotland have slightly decreased (244 incidents from May to July 2024 compared to 261 in 2023), the financial impact has often increased due to the rising value of stolen equipment and livestock. Key emerging trends include:

Increased demand for stolen farm equipment due to global events, such as the Ukraine war.

A rise in livestock worrying and attacks, partly driven by the increased dog ownership during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Greater focus from organised crime groups on the high value and vulnerability of farm machinery.

Notable increases in fuel theft and fly-tipping, likely due to changes in legislation and waste disposal costs.

A rise in GPS system thefts, although recent arrests have targeted those responsible, with individuals involved in the theft of over 40 units.

Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) is a multi-agency partnership seeking to reduce and combat crime in rural Scotland (image: SPARC)Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) is a multi-agency partnership seeking to reduce and combat crime in rural Scotland (image: SPARC)

Q. Are certain regions in Scotland more prone to rural crime? If so, why?

A. Unfortunately, in common with all types of crime there appears to be no areas immune to the scourge of rural crime. However, the regions most affected include:

  • Lothian and Borders
  • North East Scotland (including Aberdeenshire and Moray)
  • Lanarkshire
  • Tayside

These areas may be more susceptible due to their size, proximity to major routes, nearby urban areas, and the presence of serious organised crime groups.

SPARC approach

Q. How do you work with local law enforcement and communities to address rural crime?

A. SPARC now includes 20 local Partnerships Against Rural Crime (PARCs) covering most of Scotland. These partnerships typically involve representatives from:

  • Police Scotland (local divisions)
  • NFUS
  • Scottish Land & Estates
  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • British Horse Society
  • Young Farmers and other rural community interest groups

These individual and local partnerships can set their own priorities reflecting and responding to the types of crimes most prevalent in their area.

Q. How do you gather and utilise data on rural crime to improve your services?

A. Data is extracted from Police Scotland’s crime reports using specific keywords to identify rural or farm-related crimes. By collating these figures, SPARC ensures rural crime receives adequate attention and resources.

It is therefore imperative that all farm and rural crimes are reported and recorded as such, as it is the only way to gauge the severity of rural crime and ensure that it is given the correct profile and attention by law enforcement and policy makers.

Crime prevention strategies

Q. What are the most effective measures farmers can take to protect their property and livestock?

A. Effective measures include:

Proper livestock identification and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records of stock and their movements.

Making tools and equipment less visible to potential thieves.

Individualising tools and equipment with unique, unremovable marks.

Utilising DNA-type markers and tracking devices, which have proven effective in deterring thefts and recovering stolen property.

Q. Do you recommend any specific technology or tools (e.g. CCTV, GPS tracking, security gates) for crime prevention on farms?

A. Yes, all these technologies can be beneficial. Tracking devices, in particular, have repeatedly proven effective, with several instances where stolen items were recovered within hours and arrests were made.

Community aspect

Q. What role do local community watch programs play in rural crime prevention, and how do you support them?

A. SPARC promotes Rural Watch programs, which provide updates and alerts on local and national threats.