Rural Crime Week NI 2025: Police and partners unite to support farming & rural communities

Superintendent Johnston McDowell, Justice Minister Naomi Long, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir and Constable Emma Smith

Rural Crime Week NI 2025 begins this week, running from 8 to 12 September, with police and partner organisations uniting to support rural and farming communities across Northern Ireland through a digital-led awareness campaign and operational activity.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Rural Crime Partnership (RCP), which brings together the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFC), Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP), the Federation of Small Businesses, and NFU Mutual.

The partnership provides a vital mechanism for agencies and rural-focused organisations to share knowledge, identify emerging issues, and implement strategies to prevent and reduce crime in rural areas.

Highlighting rural crime and its W

wider impact

While agricultural crime has declined in the past year – with 183 agricultural crimes recorded, down 31 on the previous 12 months – police stress that challenges remain.

Rural Crime lead for the PSNI, Superintendent Johnston McDowell, said:

“Whilst agricultural crime has recorded a marked decrease in the past 12 months, thanks in no small part to the combined efforts of the Rural Crime Partnership, Agricultural and Rural Crime overall remain key priorities for policing.

“Often when we think of rural crime we think of the theft of farm machinery or plant, livestock theft, or burglary however … the issues faced by rural communities and the crimes experienced in those communities, are complex and ever-evolving.”

He explained that this year’s campaign will not only focus on farm security and crime prevention, but also on issues such as Violence Against Women and Girls, Road Safety, and Firearm Security.

“We hope that this year’s Rural Crime Week will help make the public more aware of the kinds of diverse issues faced in our rural communities and help provide information and advice mechanisms for people who may need or want support,” Superintendent McDowell added.

Ministerial backing

Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the campaign, noting the broader social challenges rural communities face.

“I welcome the launch of this year’s Rural Crime Week, which will highlight the challenges faced by rural businesses and communities, including the fact that incidents of domestic abuse are often higher in rural areas.

“This annual campaign provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the signs of rural crime … and encourages everyone to report them using the usual methods, including reporting anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir also underlined the importance of the initiative:

“Rural Crime Week is a vital opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by our rural communities. Through the Rural Crime Partnership, we work together to confront many of the challenges, which include the theft of animals and machinery and the deep impact this has on our farm businesses and their families.

“We must also continue to tackle environmental crimes such as illegal dumping and pollution, not only for the grave environmental consequences but also for the blight they leave on the natural beauty of our landscapes.”

Reporting rural crime

The PSNI and its partners are encouraging anyone affected by rural crime to come forward.

• Call 101, or 999 in an emergency

• Report online at psni.police.uk/makeareport

• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org

Further advice on crime prevention can be found at the PSNI’s rural crime prevention page.