Scottish Borders Partnership Against Rural Crime (SBPARC) is part of a national multi-agency initiative developed by the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). It involves key organisations collectively working together to tackle rural crime, in particular the increasing threat posed by serious organised crime groups throughout Scotland.
SBPARC brings together representatives from a range of organisations who have a vested interest in tackling crime that affects rural communities in the Borders, as well as ourselves it involves:
- Police Scotland
- Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
- NFU Scotland
- Scottish Land and Estates
- SEPA
- River Tweed Commission
- Scottish SPCA
It is expected that other representatives will join as the partnership develops.
The overall aim is to work together to prevent and combat rural crime, utilising both the principles of SBPARC's Rural Crime Strategy and local analysis to guide activity.
The Rural Crime Strategy for 2022-25 can be downloaded from our website.
More information about the launch of the 2019-22 strategy is available on the Scottish Rural Network website.
How you can help us target thieves and potential thieves in your area
Always contact Police Scotland immediately if you see suspicious activity on or near your property:
- use 999 if ongoing (e.g. if persons are still on your property, are threatening or a crime is in progress)
- otherwise call the 101 non-emergency number
- you can also report it on the Police Scotland website
Or report anonymously through Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Consider your personal safety, do not put yourself at risk by confronting intruders.
What information do we need?
Any information you can provide may help us create the connection to criminal activity including:
- registration number or partial registration number
- photograph or description of a suspicious vehicle (colour, make, model, any signage)
- if the vehicle has left, what direction was it going?
- how many people were in the vehicle and any descriptions?
- if they spoke to you what did they give as a reason for being on your property?