IN BRIEF

27 February 1998

IN BRIEF

&#8226 A FARMWATCH initiative has been launched in Lanarkshire by Strathclyde police to tackle sheep rustling and other crimes being committed against farmers in the area.

In the past two months there have been 24 arrests for thefts from farm properties in the Lanark area, including eight farmhouse break-ins. And police report that in the past year livestock rustling has become an increasing problem.

The Strathclyde force hopes the farmwatch scheme will heighten crime prevention awareness among farmers, thereby cutting the incidence of rural theft.