POLICE officers across Argyll and Bute, and the rest of rural Scotland, have undergone new specialist training as part of a Scotland-wide effort to crack down on rural crime, aiming to better protect farms, crofts and rural businesses from theft.
Local officers involved in rural and acquisitive crime teams have been trained in the use of VIN Chip technology — an advanced system that helps prevent and detect thefts of agricultural machinery and equipment.
Already this year, 34 quad bikes, 13 trailers, and 10 agricultural vehicles and plant machinery, worth more than £500,000, have been stolen from farms and rural premises across Scotland, with rising concerns in areas like Argyll and Bute where farms are often isolated and vulnerable.
Sergeant Lauren Semple, from the Rural, Acquisitive and Business Preventions Team, said: “The theft of farm machinery can have a devastating impact, particularly in rural communities like ours. Quad bikes are vital for farm operations but are also a prime target for criminals, being valuable and easy to transport.
“These crimes often take place under cover of darkness, with few witnesses around. VIN Chip technology gives each machine a unique forensic footprint, allowing officers to scan equipment from a distance and quickly identify stolen items, boosting recovery rates.”
Police are urging farmers and crofters in Argyll and Bute to take additional security measures and to sign up to the Farm Watch scheme, which shares alerts about suspicious activity and offers advice on crime prevention.
John Lally, CEO of VIN Chip, added: “The impact of agricultural theft goes far beyond financial loss — it threatens the resilience of our rural communities. By giving police the tools to act swiftly, we’re helping make areas like Argyll and Bute less attractive to criminals.”
Police Scotland is encouraging a three-layered approach to farm security: Deter: Use forensic marking, visible security signage, and lighting. Delay: Secure farm entrances, limit access, and use robust locks.
Detect: Install trackers, CCTV, and alarms.
Sergeant Semple concluded: “Our message to organised crime groups is clear — rural Scotland is not an easy target. By working together, we can make our farms and countryside safer for all.”
