A LOTHIAN farm is playing host to a rural crime roadshow this month, as NFU Scotland and Police Scotland continue their quest to encourage farmers to take simple and effective measures to avoid being targeted by thieves.

The event, taking place at Harlaw Farm, Balerno on December 19, by permission of Andrew Barr, will give farmers and rural businesses the chance to speak to representatives from Police Scotland and rural insurers NFU Mutual, as well as see crime prevention demonstrations.

NFUS regional manager for Lothians and the Borders, Kerry Clark, commented: “With farmers being targeted more often by thieves, they are asked to make an effort to come along to this event to see for themselves cost-effective and simple measures they can adopt on their farm which could prevent theft.

“With high-value machinery and equipment used and kept on farms, they can be more susceptible and vulnerable, and it is even more important that farmers and crofters take time to review what they have in place and look to make improvements.

“This latest event is part of a host held over the last 12 months across the country in conjunction with stakeholders such as Police Scotland to assist farmers in identifying practical measures, and give them the opportunity to ask questions.”