The Tayside Partnership Against Rural Crime (Tay PARC) is hosting two events at the end of January

The Tay PARC group, which NFU Scotland is a key partner, is set to host two free events at Forfar Mart on Tuesday 28 January and at Caledonian House, Perth on Thursday 30 January, to raise awareness of rural crime in the area.

As part of the events, attendees will learn about the farm security measures that can be implemented to deter criminal activity as well as equipment that can be used to help detect stolen property.

Tay PARC is a recently formed group and is a regional offshoot of the highly successful Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC), whose main partners include NFU Mutual, NFU Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish Land and Estates and the British Horse Society.

Attendees will also learn about the work SPARC does and the impact that reporting crime has on detections and the recovery of stolen property.

In attendance will be Police Officers and other specialists who can offer advice on issues including agricultural farm and plant theft, livestock offences (including worrying and theft), fuel theft, equestrian crime, fly tipping and wildlife crime (such as hare coursing and poaching).

The event is free but those wishing to attend need to book ahead as places are limited and these events are always very popular. Those wishing to book can do so by contacting Kate Maitland at kate.maitland@nfus.org.uk.

Kate Maitland, NFU Scotland East Central Regional Manager, said: “Rural crime is a serious problem in the Tayside area which is why it is so important that we not only have the Tay PARC group but that the group organises events like this.

“These events have proven to be very popular in other areas and regions and are fantastic opportunities for farmers and crofters to learn some useful tips to prevent and reduce rural crime.”

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Contact Douglas Ross on 0131 472 4059