The unit will monitor rural crime as well and co-ordinate police efforts to tackle such offences.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “The PSNI are already doing great work through their ‘Farmwatch’ scheme to tackle rural crimes such as the theft of livestock and farm equipment. I hope that this new unit will help to co-ordinate this work and other initiatives to act as a deterrent to criminals as well as to reassure those who live in rural areas.
“This is further evidence of the Justice Minister’s determination to ensure that the public have confidence in the PSNI to tackle rural crime and to help build safer, shared and confident communities.
“Co-operation with NFU Mutual on this initiative is exactly the type of joined up approach that is needed to tackle these issues. I would like to congratulate all those involved in the establishment of this new unit and I am sure we will soon see its benefits.”
ENDS