THIS week I want to highlight the work of East Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (ELPARC), which has been in existence since 2018 and is the longest established partnership of its kind.

There are currently 16 such partnerships in Scotland, addressing local priorities set according to the demands in their areas.

The current priorities to be tackled by ELPARC are:

  • Hare coursing and poaching;
  • Rural theft and fuel theft;
  • Fire prevention and water safety;
  • Heritage crime;
  • Fly-tipping; and,
  • Livestock attack and distress and equine crime.

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Last week, ELPARC hosted a walk-in event at Luffness Mains, Aberlady, the venue kindly supplied by local farmer Allan Stevenson. A range of partners attended, including: SFRS (Scottish Fire & Rescue Service); BHS (British Horse Society); NFUS (National Farmers Union of Scotland); East Lothian Countryside Rangers Service; East Lothian Council anti-social behaviour wardens; SPARC (Scottish Partners Against Rural Crime); NRACU (National Rural Acquisitive Crime Unit); and Neighbourhood Watch.

The purpose of the event was to make the partnership accessible to farmers, residents and businesses in a rural setting, strengthening connections whilst also providing cutting-edge crime prevention advice and demonstrating a new quad bike lock and fuel syphon prevention devices.

During the event, a number of Selecta DNA kits were given out to assist in marking farm equipment to deter theft.

The event was well attended and it is clear that, by working together with partner agencies, positive relationships are being formed to produce a supportive local network and enable more innovative solutions to be shared.

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It is worth highlighting that April saw a number of thefts of GPS equipment from farm vehicles in East Lothian. To assist in prevention, we would encourage farm equipment or machinery to be stored securely or in secured buildings. For more information on preventive equipment approved by Police Scotland, visit www.securedbydesign.com

The countryside in East Lothian is beautiful but it is also a place of work and source of livelihood for many, so I would encourage everyone to use the countryside responsibly and respectfully.

Please ensure that you keep your dog on a lead whilst walking in or near fields or open land where there may be sheep or other livestock. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence and causes significant animal suffering.