Calls made for rural machine theft legislation to be introduced in Scotland

Alexander Burnett spoke in support of rural machine theft legislation after Scottish data suggested the north-east is a hotspot for ATV, vehicle and fuel theft.

Figures for the last quarter from the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime revealed the value of rural theft of machinery was almost £350,000 in March alone.

Insurers NFU Mutual say all-terrain vehicles are a “hot-ticket item” because global supply chain problems have caused long waiting lists for new vehicles.

At Holyrood on Wednesday, Aberdeenshire West MSP Alexander Burnett urged rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon to introduce immobilisers and regulate the sale of agricultural vehicles.

He said: “The north-east was identified as one of the most targeted areas, and we are now heading into May and June which are the worst months for theft.