Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP Jamie McGrigor has raised concerns from farmers in the Highlands & Islands about an apparent increase in the theft of fuel, quad bikes, and agricultural equipment from farms and crofts in the region.
Jamie tabled written Parliamentary questions on the subject. These have now been answered by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, who said that he would encourage farmers and people from all rural areas to participate in consultations on local policing plans.
Speaking today, Jamie said:
“I have had contact from a number of farming constituents, especially in the Argyll & Bute area but also from elsewhere in my region, who are extremely concerned at what seems to be a spate of thefts from farms, with quad bikes being a particularly popular target at the moment.
“I have to say that, while I accept that Kenny MacAskill is correct that tackling such thefts is an operational matter for Police Scotland, I am disappointed with his answers to my questions and the fact that he does not seem to share, or even acknowledge, the very real concern and anxiety in the farming community about the level of thefts of agricultural equipment. I will be pursuing this matter further with Police Scotland representatives.
“Meanwhile, I would encourage all my farming and crofting constituents to be extra vigilant in terms of securing their quad bikes and equipment wherever possible, and to report suspicious behaviour if they encounter it”.