West Lothian showed it is united in fighting rural crime.
Beecraigs Country Park recently hosted the West Lothian Partnership Against Rural Crime (WLPARC) information day.
WLPARC is a multi-agency partnership involving key organisations collectively working together to tackle rural crime and anti-social behaviour within West Lothian’s rural communities.
There’s a lot of work being done on key issues affecting rural communities such as irresponsible access, fly tipping, off-road vehicles, fire-raising and acquisitive crime.
There was representation from Police Scotland, West Lothian Council, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, British Horse Society, National Farmers Union Scotland, and Forest and Land Scotland were also in attendance, bringing fire service equipment and kids activities to the event.
Chair Jamie Smart said: “NFU Scotland are pleased to be working with partner organisations to help make the countryside in West Lothian a safer environment for all of us who work and enjoy the wonderful areas we are privileged to have on our doorsteps.”
Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “This is an very important issue and I’m delighted that it took place at Beecraigs. Lots of very useful information was provided and it highlighted the amount of work that goes into tackling rural crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Constable Ross Walker added: “We work closely with our partners to provide a range of crime prevention advice to rural communities. This information is also regularly published on our social media channels.
The public also has an important role to play in helping us tackle this type of crime by reporting suspicious activity to police immediately, so we can respond swiftly.”
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