Huge cash reward over €4k offered for info on agri-crimes in Northern Ireland from stolen quads to farming tool thefts

A NUMBER of agricultural thefts have been reported to police across areas in Northern Ireland – as cash rewards will now be offered for information. 

Following a number of rural thefts, PSNI officers confirmed a reward will be available for vital information.

A reward of £3,500 (€4,055) is available for information given directly to the charity Crimestoppers that results in the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Thefts were reported across the south area including policing districts of mid Ulster, Fermanagh, Omagh, Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down.

PSNI officers said these crimes are “seriously” affecting the lives of workers in the agricultural sector.

It’s hoped information provided anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers will lead to arrests and charges in connection with rural and agri-crimes.

Inspector Brian St Ledger said: “The theft of valuable agri-equipment and tools from independent workmen and rural businesses can seriously affect the lives and livelihoods of people in rural communities.

“We hope this cash reward will encourage those with information about recent thefts of tools, quads and other items from agricultural and rural properties and communities to tell Crimestoppers what they know, and that that information will in turn help us identify the criminals responsible.

“Crimestoppers is completely independent of the police and the reward is paid directly by the charity.

“They guarantee that everyone who contacts them stays 100 per cent anonymous – your details will never be shared with police.

“This reward will be offered for a period of three months until 26 September and I would urge anyone with knowledge about these rural crimes to please get in touch with the charity by calling their 24/7 Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website Crimestoppers-uk.org .”