Officers from the region’s specialist Rural Crime Team will offer practical advice to sheep farmers on protecting their property and livestock at a series of free seminars next month.
H&H Insurance Brokers, in partnership with H&H Land & Estates, will host two Sheep Farmer Seminars aimed at tackling opportunistic theft on farms, alongside addressing a range of other key issues affecting the rural community.
Karen Dakin of Cumbria Police and Mark Atkinson from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force will speak to attendees about the team’s work with local farmers. They will outline measures to help safeguard equipment, share insights into current rural crime trends, and provide updates on new legislation relating to livestock worrying.
H&H Insurance Brokers will also deliver guidance on farm and livestock insurance, including clarifying the distinction between theft and ‘mysterious disappearance’, highlighting the importance of vigilance, and advising on warning signs farmers should be aware of.
Meanwhile, H&H Land & Estates will provide an update on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which is expected to open in two application windows - June for smaller farms and September for all other farmers.
In addition, a number of local suppliers will be on hand to demonstrate anti-theft solutions, including locks, chains and CCTV systems.
PCSO Karen Dakin said: “This is a great opportunity for sheep farmers and local businesses to hear directly from the Rural Crime Team about how we operate, the risks currently facing rural areas, and the practical steps that can be taken to reduce the threat of livestock worrying and opportunistic theft.
“We will also highlight the importance of reporting suspicious activity and how intelligence from the farming community plays a vital role in tackling rural crime.
“There are new laws and penalties around livestock worrying, which remains a persistent issue for local farmers. It’s important that people are aware of these changes and stay up to date with the legislation.”
Event details:
Wednesday 6 May - Carlisle Sheep Farmer Seminar
Venue: Auctioneer Suite, Borderway, Carlisle
Book: https://HHSheepFarmerSeminar.eventbrite.co.uk
Wednesday 13 May - North Yorkshire Sheep Farmer Seminar
Venue: Romanby Golf & Country Club, Northallerton
Book: https://H_HSheepFarmerSeminar.eventbrite.co.uk
Each seminar will run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and includes a pie and peas supper. The informal format is designed to encourage discussion, share experiences, and allow attendees to ask questions throughout.