Sinn Féin representatives call for adoption of legislation to help tackle rural crime

Following the introduction of the Equipment Theft (Prevention Act) 2023 in England and Wales, Sinn Féin Sperrin Councillor Fergal Leonard has called for an introduction for similar legislation in the North of Ireland to make it mandatory to have All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) and GPS Units marked with forensic markings and registered on a Database.

Councillor Leonard stated: "Rural Crime statistics are at an unacceptable level and organised criminal gangs are targeting farms and leaving farmers in emotional and financial turmoil. Any measures to assist and sustain our essential farming communities must be explored.  This new legislation if introduced would make it easier for PSNI to track stolen equipment and act as a deterrent.

“There is currently a voluntary initiative with Derry & Strabane PCSP and PSNI for trailer and quad marking that I would encourage everyone to use."

Continuing, Councillor Leonard, who is a member of Derry & Strabane PCSP said: "There needs to be close links with and sharing of information with An Garda Síochána to deal with all aspects of rural crime."

He added that he will be working along with party colleague Declan Mc Aleer to have the Equipment Theft (Prevention Act) legislation enacted in the North of Ireland.

Declan Mc Aleer MLA said: "I will be raising the enacting of this legislation with the Justice Minister Naomi Long and also exploring the possibility of a Rural Crime strategy to deal with all types of rural crime including theft of animals, equipment and flytipping."