Crimestoppers offers £3,500 reward to catch NI rural thieves

A £3,500 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for a series of rural thefts across Northern Ireland’s South Area.

Independent charity Crimestoppers has launched the reward scheme following several thefts involving quad bikes, power tools and agricultural equipment across Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Omagh, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, and Newry, Mourne and Down.

The reward, available until 26 September, is being offered for information given directly to Crimestoppers that leads to arrests and convictions.

The charity guarantees complete anonymity for anyone who comes forward.

See also: Advice on protecting farm kit and avoiding GPS thefts

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) inspector Brian St Ledger said rural crime remained a policing priority because of the devastating impact thefts can have on farming families and businesses.

“The theft of valuable agri-equipment and tools from independent workmen and rural businesses can seriously affect the lives and livelihoods of people in rural communities,” he said.

“We hope this cash reward will encourage those with information about recent thefts of tools, quads and other items from agricultural and rural properties and communities to tell Crimestoppers what they know, and that information will in turn help us identify the criminals responsible.”

He stressed that Crimestoppers operates independently of the PSNI, adding: “They guarantee that everyone who contacts them stays 100% anonymous – your details will never be shared with police.”

The latest appeal follows a previous surge in quad bike thefts during autumn 2025, when police recorded 10 thefts in the Fermanagh and Omagh district within a matter of weeks, prompting a similar reward campaign.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org, before the reward offer closes on 26 September.