The Police Service of Northern Ireland will spotlight its ongoing efforts to prevent and tackle offending in rural areas during Rural Crime Week NI 2026, running from 7 to 11 September.

Across the week, PSNI teams and members of the Rural Crime Partnership will share a snapshot of their continuous work in the countryside — from investigating offences and disrupting offenders to crime prevention, community engagement and victim support.

Local officers will mount dedicated, round-the-clock activity focused on rural crime. This operational work will be accompanied by daily social media messaging offering practical security advice for homes, farms and rural businesses, as well as clear information on how to report crime and suspicious activity.

Rural Crime lead for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: "Rural Crime Week gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on work that takes place every day of the year to keep people safe in our rural and agricultural communities.

"Local police officers work throughout the year with people in those communities, and alongside our partners, to prevent and detect crime, identify those responsible and support people who have been affected by rural crime. Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams know their local areas well and with support from specialist colleagues from across the police service including Organised Crime Branch, Public Protection Branch and Roads Policing as well as our Crime Prevention Officers strive to best serve the interests and needs of those living in rural areas. We also work closely with An Garda Síochána and other law enforcement agencies to tackle criminality which crosses policing and geographical boundaries.

"Often when we talk about rural crime, people will understandably think about the theft of farm machinery, livestock, tools or equipment. These crimes can of course have a significant impact on livelihoods and on people's sense of security and tackling them remains an important part of our work, however rural crime and community safety are much broader than these crime types alone.

"The challenges facing people living and working in rural areas are diverse and continue to evolve. During this Rural Crime Week we will therefore be highlighting issues such as road safety, violence against women and girls, scams and fraud, alongside farm security and crime prevention." Justice Minister Naomi Long said: "Rural crime can take many forms, from theft and livestock crime to fraud and scams that increasingly target rural residents and businesses. We also recognise that incidents of domestic abuse are often higher in rural areas, where access to support can be more limited. I am very aware of the impact that crime has on victims, businesses, and people's sense of security.

"My Department chairs the Rural Crime Partnership and remains committed to working with all partners, including rural businesses and communities, to ensure that everyone feels safe where they live and work."

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: "Rural Crime Week provides an important opportunity to recognise the negative impact of crime on rural communities and to support those affected.

"Domestic abuse can be a hidden and particularly harmful issue in rural areas, where isolation and limited access to services may make it more difficult for people to seek help. Alongside tackling issues such as farm theft, livestock worrying and environmental crime, DAERA will continue to work with partners through the Rural Crime Partnership to help protect rural communities, prevent harm and ensure people can access the support they need."

Superintendent McDowell added: "As a collective our focus is on preventing crime, identifying and disrupting those responsible for rural crime and supporting victims. Reports from the public, alongside information gathered by our officers and partners, help us build a clearer picture of offending, identify patterns and direct policing activity where it is needed.

"Rural Crime Week allows us to bring focus to the concerns of rural communities and make sure people know what support and advice options are available. Together we can prevent rural crime and keep people safe."

To report rural crime, call 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also submit a report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information about rural crime can also be provided to the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/ "

For more on rural crime prevention, visit: www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/rural-crime-prevention

Latest statistics are available here: www.psni.police.uk/system/files/2026-07/2059530279/Agriculture%20and%20Rural%20Crime%20Bulletin%20Period%20Ending%2030th%20June%202026.pdf