To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the number of reported incidents of (a) livestock theft; (b) agricultural vehicle theft; and (c) quad bike theft, that were recorded in each of the last five years; (ii) what proportion resulted in a (a) charge; and (b) summons; and (iii) whether she has made any assessment of whether current detection and prosecution rates act as an effective deterrent to rural crime.

In relation to parts (i) and (ii) of the question, the recording of information on incidents or crimes reported to police, as well as on persons subsequently charged, is a matter for the Chief Constable. You may, therefore, wish to direct any further query relating to the numbers of livestock theft, agricultural vehicle theft and quad bike theft incidents, to the PSNI.

In relation to part (iii), my Department works closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to monitor trends in rural crime and the effectiveness of enforcement activity. While no specific formal assessment has been undertaken on detection and prosecution rates as a deterrent, it is widely recognised that visible policing activity, effective investigation, and successful prosecutions all contribute to deterrence.

The Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), which was established following ‘A Fresh Start’ - the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan’ in 2015 provides a strong strategic and operational framework for law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively to tackle cross-jurisdictional organised crime, including rural crime. The JATF is led by senior officers from the PSNI and An Garda Síochána with representation from other law enforcement agencies. The JATF enables partners to exchange information and intelligence and undertake ongoing joint operational activity, including dedicated Days of Action. It has conducted a number of successful operations, including in relation to rural crime. These have been highlighted in its most recent published biannual report: Cross Border JATF Operational Report April 2025 to September 2025, which is available online.

In addition, the Cross Border Policing Strategy 2025 – 2027, between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána, supports collaboration and co-operation between the two organisations in tackling cross-border criminality.