Plans are well underway for the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s rural crime conference ‘Tackling Rural Crime in Northern Ireland – Working together’ taking place on 4th November 2014 at the Crumlin Road Gaol. There will be a range of speakers on the day and plenty of opportunities for debate and discussion, including a panel discussion with senior officials from the PSNI including Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, who is holds the overall responsibility for rural crime on the police service.
UFU Deputy President Barclay Bell said; “The PSNI has been a firm supporter of the conference from the outset and we are pleased that they have agreed to take part. Rural crime continues to be an important issue across Northern Ireland’s countryside and our hope is that this conference will go some of the way to help find a joined up way forward to tackle it. The conference is taking place at a difficult financial time for Northern Ireland and against a background of forced cuts across many government departments, including the PSNI, but it is our hope that creative solutions can be found in order to ensure rural policing is protected as much as possible.”
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd, who will be speaking at the conference said; “We welcome the opportunity to take part in this inaugural rural crime event. We take rural crime extremely seriously and are keen to continue our work with key partners and stakeholders to address this area of concern. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is very aware of the significant contribution of the rural community to a successful Northern Ireland. It is worth pointing out that, while important, statistics are only part of the picture. The PSNI understands the human impact that crime against the farming community has on farmers, their families, farm workers, their business and the wider rural community.”
‘Tackling Rural Crime in Northern Ireland – Working together’ aims to raise awareness about rural crime, in particular agri-crime, share examples of best practice in dealing with rural crime, and enhance working relationships across all stakeholders. Conference speakers include representatives from DARD, PSNI, An Garda Siochana, the Department of Justice, the farming community and the keynote speaker is Nick Payne from the Rural Services Network in England. It is open to anyone with an interest in rural crime but we would particularly like to welcome farmers, rural police officers, rural crime prevention officers, and members from the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships. The conference is sponsored by the Department of Justice and is a FREE full day event with lunch provided for attendees. For more information about the conference and to book your place please contact UFU headquarters on 028 9037 0222.
