Rural Crime Week

"This week is Rural Crime Week which offers an important opportunity to focus on an issue that can have a real impact here in South Antrim, especially as ours is a largely rural constituency, and our local farms, agri-food businesses and countryside villages play a huge role in our local communities.

"We know crime in the countryside has a heavy cost for the victims, both financially and emotionally. Our farming families are already dealing with huge pressures, and having livestock, gates, machinery or vehicles stolen is a significant further burden, putting an unfair strain on livelihoods that people work incredibly hard for. Socially, many people living in the countryside already feel isolated and cut off, the fear of crime only makes this harder.

"Tackling rural crime requires a joint effort, and I’m pleased to see that over the next few days, the Rural PSNI Teams are running outreach events across Northern Ireland, offering practical help like trailer marking and crime prevention advice.

"I’d really encourage local farmers and residents to drop in, make the most of what’s being offered, and keep reporting anything suspicious. I hope you have a safe and informative Rural Crime Week."