Locals encouraged to help tackle rural crime at CorbetTractor Run

Banbridge Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) worked with the PSNI Banbridge Neighbourhood Team and the local organisers of the 2014 Tractor Run to help raise awareness of the ways in which local communities can help in addressing the issue.

This well-attended rural community event enabled Banbridge PCSP to distribute the packs containing items and advice which were funded through money secured by the PCSP from the Department of Justice criminal seized assets (ARCS) to help local rural households take on rural crime.

The packs included information on the subsidy for TRACKER devices that is available until the end of September through the Rural Crime Partnership by calling the hotline number: 028 9081 8688; and also information about the MARA Project (Maximising Access in Rural Areas), which is supported by the Public Health Agency.

Banbridge PCSP is supporting PSNI Dromore Neighbourhood Officers in providing a free trailer marking event on Saturday 27 September in the car-park at Magherally Parish Hall from 2pm-4pm.

During 2014/15, the PCSP will be working with local rural community groups and farmers to help tackle rural crime using just under £3,000 secured from the DoJ criminal seized assets (ARCS) funding stream.

The TRACKER subsidy initiative is delivered by the Rural Crime Partnership, which consists of representatives from the Department of Justice, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and NFU Mutual, and has been developed using findings from the PSNI’s Rural Crime Unit.

Farmers can register their interest and reserve the subsidised rate by calling NFU Mutual on 028 9081 8688. The line will be open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday until 30 September (subject to demand).