Often site or vehicle security is breached during hours of darkness when there are very few potential witnesses, making it easier to make off with these item
The theft of these vehicles can have a significant financial impact on rural communities as, not only do they then need to be replaced, but their loss can slow down productivity until a new one can be obtained.
In May this year, we announced a partnership with VIN Chip, which aims to helps us with the identification and retrieval of stolen farm equipment and we’ve continued to enhance the number of officers within the Borders who are trained and educated on how this technology can aid us in recovery of items stolen from farms within our region.
The VIN Chip system provides an individual forensic footprint to a piece of equipment or vehicle which can be scanned from distance using devices carried by Police patrols and checks against registration databases to identify owner and if reported stolen. This allows roadside checks to be carried out quickly and stolen equipment recovered.
In addition, we have provided numerous rural properties with our “Police Stop Me” stickers that are affixed to vehicles and machinery and encourage officers to pull a driver over if they see this sticker, so we can check that those in possession of these items are the owners or are legally permitted to be using them.
While we will continue to utilise the stickers and VIN Chip to help identify thieves, prevention remains our best tool for reducing rural theft and I would ask all members of farming communities to consider the security measures they have in place around their properties and consider where enhancements could be made. We have a range of useful crime prevention advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk.
We’re now fast approaching the busy summer months and finishing touches are being put into our policing response for upcoming common ridings and gala days, as well as various other community and sporting events and celebrations that take place each year within the Borders.
While these events place a certain level of demand upon local policing teams, we are well-versed in delivering them and will have appropriate resources deployed throughout to ensure the safety of all of those attending or participating.
I want to finish this week’s column by acknowledging the impending retirement of Inspector Robbie Noble after 31 years of dedicated police service. Robbie has been a constant pillar of support during my time in the division and the wealth of experience and local knowledge he has brought to his various roles, including Deputy Local Area Commander, have been invaluable.
I wish him all the best for whatever comes next and safe travels when he’s enjoying time on his motorcycle. Robbie, please familiarise yourself with our ongoing motorcycle safety campaign, if you have not already done so!
