Her warning comes as Crimestoppers Northern Ireland is offering a £3,500 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for stealing quads, power tools and other valuable agricultural equipment in a series of burglaries across the province. The independent charity guarantees anonymity and is offering the reward until 26^th September.

The MP said: “Criminals are very active in our rural communities. In recent days, thieves have made off with three John Deere GPS domes and display screens from a farm in the Caledon area of County Tyrone, highlighting the growing sophistication and determination of those targeting the agricultural sector.”

Ms Lockhart is encouraging farmers and those living in rural areas to review their security arrangements and take practical steps to protect livestock, machinery, tools and other valuable assets.

The Upper Bann MP also criticised DAERA for failing to include farm security improvements within its recently launched Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme.

She said: "I believe a real opportunity has been missed by excluding grant support for security measures such as CCTV systems, infrared beam sensors and security lighting.

"These are investments that every farm business, regardless of enterprise type, could benefit from significantly. Installing effective security across a farmyard can cost thousands of pounds, particularly on larger holdings, but it is money well spent if it deters criminals and prevents the theft of expensive machinery and equipment.

"I have heard reports of thieves abandoning attempted thefts after triggering motion sensor-operated security lights, infrared beam alarms or CCTV systems. These preventative measures can make the difference between criminals leaving empty-handed or making off with expensive equipment and technology.”

The MP added: "Providing grant assistance towards tracking devices and enhanced farm security would protect valuable assets and improve long-term business resilience. I strongly believe that Stormont departments should consider a financial assistance scheme with the aim of combating rural crime. We also need to see tougher penalties for those responsible.”

Ms Lockhart is encouraging farmers and those living in rural areas to review their security arrangements and take practical steps to protect livestock, machinery, tools and other valuable assets.

She said: "Rural crime remains a huge blight on our countryside, causing enormous financial loss, mental stress and disruption for hardworking farming families.

"The theft of equipment such as pick-ups, livestock trailers, quads, gators, GPS systems and power tools is not simply an inconvenience. These are essential working assets that farmers rely on every day to run their businesses. Many farms are operating on extremely tight margins and simply cannot afford the cost of replacing stolen equipment.

"Even where insurance covers some of the loss, making claims takes time and inevitably drives up premiums for everyone, adding yet another financial burden to an industry already facing rising costs.”

The latest figures from NFU Mutual show rural crime in Northern Ireland totalled more than £2.2 million last year, representing a 24 per cent increase in just twelve months. Ms Lockhart said: “The statistics demonstrate that this is not isolated criminality but a growing and organised threat to rural communities.

"Unfortunately, we are no longer dealing with opportunistic petty thieves. In the majority of cases, organised criminal gangs are targeting farms, stealing to order and moving equipment into illicit EU and world markets.”

Carla Lockhart MP is encouraging farmers and rural residents to remain alert. She added: "I would encourage everyone living and working in rural communities to take practical steps to mitigate against the risk of rural crime. Lock buildings and vehicles, remove keys, record serial numbers, mark valuable equipment and consider upgrading security.

"If you notice unfamiliar vehicles, particularly at unusual hours, or anyone behaving suspiciously around farms or rural businesses, report it immediately to the PSNI. A timely report could prevent a theft and help bring those responsible to justice.



"Anyone with information relating to the recent spate thefts across Northern Ireland should also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. By working together, we can help protect farming families, support rural communities and send a clear message that criminals are not welcome in our countryside."