Walk & Talk: Rural crime, at Torwoodlee Estate, Galashiels

In partnership with Torwoodlee, SLE invite members to attend a Walk and Talk designed to update members on the latest information and intelligence surrounding the increase in rural and wildlife crime. Members will be able to gain insight into how they can better protect themselves from falling victim to crime and learn about the more sophisticated techniques criminals are now using. With the recent spike in machinery and fuel theft, there has been no better time for members to become more informed.  

During the walk around Buckholm Farm (on the Torwoodlee Estate), we will hear from various speakers who will share prevention methods on all aspects and areas where landowners/land managers may be vulnerable. Unfortunately, Buckholm was victim to machinery theft a few months ago and have already taken steps to increase their farm security. Members will hear from Police Scotland (at a national and local level), and learn more about their work to address rural crime, as well as and the information needed when reporting a crime to increase the chances of catching the culprits and recovering stolen property. We hope to increase the number of crimes being reported, which in turn could provide more resources to reduce opportunities for rural and wildlife crime.

Demonstrations will also be provided on some of the latest devices that can be used to deter theft and recover property.

This event is being kindly hosted by James Pringle of Torwoodlee Estate, with additional contributors from Neighbourhood Watch Scotland, Scotland Fire and Rescue amongst others. SLE’s Simon Ovenden, Policy Advisor (Access and Visitor Management) will also be attending.

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website as places are limited.

Agenda

09:30 – Arrival- teas/coffees/registration etc

09:45 –Trevor Jackson (SLE South East Regional Chairman) – Introduction & Welcome, Walk down to the yard

09:50 –James Pringle (Owner of Buckholm Farm and Torwoodlee Estate) -Background on his experience with rural crime

10:00– Inspector Alan Dron (National Rural Crime Co-ordinator Police Scotland) – National update on rural crime

10:20 – PC Nick Walker (Crime Prevention & Architectural Liaison Officer)- Local update on rural crime and prevention

10:30- Willie Clark (Manager/Co-ordinator at Neighbourhood Watch Scotland) – Update on Rural Watch

10:40 – Craig Prentice (Fire Safety Officer, Scotland Fire and Rescue) – How to improve farm safety

10:50 – PS Billy Telford (Wildlife Crime Officer, Police Scotland) – Wildlife Crime update

11:00 – Simon Ovenden (Access and Visitor Management Policy Officer, SLE)- Access Update

11:10- Demonstration by Damon Rodwell, Alarms for Farms

11:30- Q&A, teas and coffees

12:00– Event finishes