The Upper Bann MP has welcomed the cross-border policing operation which is investigating up to 75 cases of suspected fraud involving the sale and purchase of high-value farm machinery, including tractors, forklifts, quad bikes and dumpers. Several stolen items have been recovered as a result of the operation.

Ms Lockhart said: “The scale and sophistication of criminal activity currently targeting our rural and farming communities is hugely concerning. Organised crime groups are using fake payment proofs, cloned cards, and online scams to defraud hard-working farmers and agri-businesses of valuable machinery and equipment.

“I would urge all farmers, machinery dealers and rural business owners to take extra care when buying or selling goods, especially online. Always verify the identity of buyers, confirm that funds have cleared before releasing equipment, and be extremely cautious if any details, such as a delivery address suddenly change.

“If something doesn’t feel right, be cautious and don’t proceed without ensuring the transaction is genuine. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated and no one should assume they are immune to being targeted.”

Rural crime and fraud continue to impose serious financial costs and emotional turmoil on farming families and small rural enterprises.

The MP added: “The farming community is already facing enough challenges without being further burdened by the fear of fraud and theft. I will continue to press for a robust policing response and support for victims of rural crime.”

Ms Lockhart is encouraging anyone who has been targeted by such scams, or suspects they may have been approached by fraudsters, to report the matter immediately to the PSNI.