Rural Crime Partnership highlights importance of protecting rural communities

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) are supporting Rural Crime Week, taking place from Monday 7th – Friday 11th September 2026. This week-long event highlights the importance of security awareness across Northern Ireland’s rural communities.

As members of the Rural Crime Partnership, YFCU work alongside seven other organisations across the agricultural and rural sectors to raise awareness of practical steps to help keep people, livestock and property safe. They are; the Department of Justice, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses, Ulster Farmers’ Union, National Farmers’ Union Mutual and Policing & Community Safety Partnerships.

This year, Rural Crime Week will focus on key themes which include ending violence against Women and Girls, deterring scams and fraud, watching out for anti-social behaviour, theft of livestock and machinery and security on and around a farm.

Touching on the topic of ending violence aganst women and girls, YFCU President Kristina Fleming said: “At the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster, we have a responsibility to ensure our members feel safe. For many of our female members, their club is a vital support network a place where they know they can turn to someone they trust. Any member who is worried about someone, or experiencing violence or abuse themselves, should reach out to their club or county. No one should face this alone. Rural communities often face additional barriers to accessing support, which is why we all have a role in creating safer environments and standing together to end violence against women and girls”.

Rural crime remains a key concern for farming families, and can cause significant financial and emotional stress. Through Rural Crime Week, YFCU are encouraging members to signpost concerns and seek support through local policing and community safety partnerships, while also making use of initiatives such as Farm Watch, which can help farmers stay informed about crime and suspicious activity in their area.