Rural businesses and landowners back focus on National Rural Crime Week

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has joined rural businesses, estates and community partners across Scotland and the UK in backing National Rural Crime Week (8–12 September), underlining the collective commitment to make rural areas a safer place to live, work and visit.

The week of action follows the launch of the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) Strategy 2025–2028 at the Royal Highland Show in June.

The strategy identifies five national priorities – rural machinery, tool, fuel and metal thefts; livestock crime; equine incidents; fly-tipping; and heritage crime – with a strong focus on crime prevention and education alongside enforcement.

The SPARC focus for the next three years also centres on crime prevention and education.

Nic MacLeod, Policy Adviser at Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“Rural crime is not a victimless crime – it impacts farmers, land-based businesses, residents and visitors alike. The new SPARC strategy shows how working together is the key to reducing these offences, and land managers across Scotland are determined to play their part.

“National Rural Crime Week is an important reminder that prevention and awareness are just as crucial as enforcement. By reporting suspicious activity, sharing intelligence and engaging with local initiatives, rural communities can play a vital role in making Scotland more resilient to crime.

“Our members see first-hand the cost of theft, fly-tipping and other offences. These are not minor inconveniences – they are crimes that threaten livelihoods, damage the environment and undermine confidence in rural areas. That’s why landowners and rural businesses are fully committed to supporting SPARC’s priorities.

“With 98% of Scotland’s landmass classed as rural, the scale of the challenge is clear – but so too is the determination of land managers and communities to work in partnership with Police Scotland and others. Together we can protect our countryside and ensure it is no longer seen as an easy target for criminals.”