Farmwatch and text alerts to tackle rural crime in Larne area

DUP representatives have welcomed the PSNI's pledges to tackle rural crime in the Larne area through a number of preventative schemes.
MP Sammy Wilson. Picture by PressEyeMP Sammy Wilson. Picture by PressEye
MP Sammy Wilson. Picture by PressEye

MP Sammy Wilson and MLA Gordon Lyons issued a statement after meeting with senior PSNI officers and Ulster Farmers’ Union representatives to discuss the ongoing problem of rural crime.

In a statement, the representatives revealed that the PSNI are to implement a number of measures aimed at preventing criminal activity in rural communities.

These include additional targeted patrols at identified hotspots and the resurrection of the Farmwatch programme in early 2017.

In addition, there will be a text alert scheme and visits by officers to deliver basic crime prevention advice to rural residents.

Commenting after the meeting, Mr Wilson said: “Rural crime has been an ongoing issue in some communities for many years and so the announcement of additional patrols will be welcome news in these areas.

“While each of these schemes have their merit, we must not become complacent and should report any strange behaviour to the PSNI.”

Mr Lyons added: ‘We sought assurances from the PSNI that they would do more to protect our rural communities from this criminal activity and are pleased that they have responded in a proactive way to those concerns. Each of these schemes will go some way to achieving better protection for our farmers and rural dwellers.”