UFU, Belfast Hills Partnership and PSNI unite against rural crime in the hills

Pictured at Ulster Farmers' Union headquarters following the stakeholder meeting (L-R) Sergeant Ross Hakin, Inspector Sorcha Irwin, Brian Megahey (UFU), Deputy President Glenn Cuddy, Policy Officer Daniel Toft, Dr Lizzy Pinkerton (Belfast Hills Partnership)

Illegal scramblers, broken gates, frightened livestock and farmers left feeling intimidated on their own land — that is the stark reality behind renewed calls for action in the Belfast Hills.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Belfast Hills Partnership and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to tackle illegal activity in the area, following a recent Belfast Hills Stakeholder meeting.

The meeting brought together farmers and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation, improve reporting mechanisms and identify practical steps to protect farmland, livestock and rural communities from ongoing disruption and damage.

The UFU, which hosts the group, described the engagement as constructive and stressed the importance of maintaining a collaborative approach to an issue that is having a serious impact on local farmers.

UFU Deputy President Glenn Cuddy said:

“Illegal trespassing and unauthorised quad and scrambler use, are all issues that cause significant stress for farmers. We are hearing from members who are having property damaged, livestock worried and in some cases suffering financial losses as a result.

“Beyond the financial impact, there is also a very real emotional toll and concern for personal safety, with some farmers experiencing threatening and intimidating behaviour.”

His remarks underline that the issue is not confined to nuisance or inconvenience. For some farmers, it is affecting livelihoods, safety and wellbeing.

Mr Cuddy added that the UFU intends to press for stronger legal measures.

“The UFU will be progressing discussions around legislative change relating to the illegal use of quads and scramblers with our politicians. Farmers have a right to feel safe on their land and operate without a fear of damage, disruption, intimidation, or criminal activity.”

Dr Lizzy Pinkerton, Manager of Belfast Hills Partnership, highlighted both the value of the landscape and the damage being caused.

She said:

“The Belfast Hills are a great natural resource – our public sites have created a peaceful haven for local people and wildlife to enjoy; while our private sites provide important land management, employment opportunities and economic benefits, while also providing space for nature to thrive.

“Unfortunately, dangerous driving of vehicles such as scramblers, and indeed the criminal damage involved in breaking open gates and fences, does nothing to add to this work. In fact illegal scrambler use can have a fatal impact -one life has already been lost to the illegal use of scramblers on public land in the Belfast Hills.

“We would like to uphold the memory of those lost by preventing this from ever happening again.  We are grateful to the PSNI for their support in helping us tackle this issue”.

The reference to a life already lost underscores the gravity of the situation. What may appear to some as reckless recreation carries very real risks — not only to landowners and livestock, but to those riding the vehicles themselves.

The PSNI’s West Belfast Neighbourhood Policing team confirmed its ongoing commitment to partnership working.

A spokesperson said:

“West Belfast Neighbourhood Policing team are pleased to be working in partnership with UFU to tackle rural crime in the hills. We will continue to engage with partners and the local community to prevent and detect crime.”

All three organisations agreed that coordinated action, clear reporting and appropriate enforcement are essential to protecting farms, livestock and the wider rural community.

The UFU is urging all farmers to remain vigilant and to report any incidents to the PSNI immediately — a reminder that tackling rural crime depends not only on enforcement, but on timely information and collective effort.