Crime figures convey worrying trend for rural communities - Hazzard

The South Down MP said that with a 12% rise since 2021, the PSNI must outline a plan to tackle this.

Mr Hazzard said: “Latest figures on rural and agricultural crime published by PSNI reveal a worrying trend in Newry, Mourne and Down with the consecutive annual rise since 2022.

“With the district having the highest amount of incidents alongside Fermanagh and Omagh, I have raised these concerns directly with the District Commander and believe a considered response is now required.

“The current cost of farming means that any loss or damage to agricultural equipment is crippling to local farms who are already struggling with rising cost of farming.

“It is clear that agricultural crime is placing additional anxiety on farmers.”