Lisburn area PCSP conducting survey at Balmoral Show

The PCSP will attend with other stakeholders such as the PSNI, Ulster Farmers Union, Northern Ireland Policing Board and private sector organisations.

Rural Crime and the fear of crime have been identified as a policing and community safety priority for the PCSP to deliver in 2015.

The rural crime survey will seek the views of the farming community and other rural dwellers on their concerns regarding rural crime, police performance and the development of solutions to make communities safer.

PSNI District Commander for Lisburn and Castlereagh City District Command Unit, Superintendent Sean Wright said: “The PSNI takes 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.

“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.”

Barclay Bell, UFU Deputy President added: “Rural crime has always been an issue for the UFU due to its impact on rural businesses, the sustainability of these businesses and on local communities.

“For us, the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) are the bridge between the police and the community they are there to protect and to work with the farming community on the issues.”