To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development what steps her Department is taking to address rural crime, particularly farm theft, and to support the PSNI in their efforts in this area.

Responsibility for tackling rural crime lies primarily with the PSNI, however my Department, through its Veterinary Service Enforcement Branch (VSEB) and CAFRE, works closely with the PSNI in tackling rural crime, including agriculture related crime.

DARD’s VSEB works with the PSNI in tackling rural crime at an operational level through the sharing of intelligence, the exchange of training and the conducting of joint operations and investigations. In particular VSEB uses its enforcement powers to carry out unannounced inspections of farm animals and premises suspected of involvement in rural crime. More serious criminality is referred to the police and DARD officials assist the police through the provision of expertise. VSEB also participates in multi-agency investigations with other regulators, including the Food Standards Agency, HMRC and cross border agencies.

DARD continues to work with the Department of Justice, the PSNI and representatives of the farming community on a number of joint initiatives aimed at reducing rural crime and raising awareness of action that can be taken to help prevent rural crime, including Farm Watch, the Freeze-branding initiative and the Crimestoppers Campaign.

I have met with the Chief Constable and the Minister of Justice on a number of occasions to highlight my concerns regarding rural crime and the impact it has on the farming community. Reducing levels of rural crime is a key priority of mine and my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Justice, the PSNI and other partners in seeking to raise awareness and to reduce levels of rural crime, including farm related crime.