Boss calls for action on rural crime gangs

Damien Pinder, of Farm Serve Northwest, is calling for rural communities to rise up to stop spiralling countryside crime.

The firm’s director wants to help stem the tide of crime which has seen criminals raiding machinery, animals and fuel from outlying farms.

The tractor and machinery dealer is already among the first in the county to supply Cesar Data Tag and is working with Tracker and other asset-protecting companies to help protect property.

Now the firm has teamed up with Lancashire Police for a “Protect Your Assets” event this Thursday at its Accrington base.

The firm’s focus is on bolstering security on plant machinery including tractors and ATVs but police will also be on hand to provide advice on theft from property, animal theft, fuel theft and other rural crime.

Mr Pinder believes the event with help rural communities to get tough to protect their property from opportunistic criminals and organised gangs.

He said: “Let us all be 10 steps in front of the criminal fraternity and start to get the message across that they are not welcome in Lancashire.

“If everyone makes their property more difficult to steal, this type of crime will start to diminish.

“I’m sure everyone will agree that all rural crime is linked together and all needs to be at the forefront of everyone’s everyday activities making our rural communities safer places to live.”

A free hog roast supper will be provided with tea and coffee.

The event will be held at Willows Lane Garage, Willows Lane, Green Haworth, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 3SS on Thursday, September 19th from 5-30pm.

For further information contact Farm Serve Northwest on 01254 391999 / 07502 227112 or Tony Ford, Lancashire Police, Rural Watch Liaison Officer for Eastern Division, on 01254 353238.