Rise in criminal damage on farms near Darlington
Date of alert:
Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Durham Constabulary
THERE has been a rise in criminal damage being caused to farm land, with reports of people setting dogs on wildlife and causing damage to crop fields.
Durham Police has asked people who live in rural areas to help it tackle the issue, appealing for people with information about incidents to get in touch.
Rural officers covering the areas around Darlington say they have received an increase of reports linked to criminal damage to farm land, including damage caused by quad bikes and 4x4s.
A spokesperson said: "Over the past few weeks we have had an increase of reports linked to criminal damage to farm land in the rural areas surrounding Darlington.
This is caused by adults using 4x4 vehicles and quad bikes for the purpose of setting their dogs on the local wildlife, recklessly causing damage to crop fields, gates and fencing.
"This is at the farmers own cost to repair and recover.
"Our rural officers continue to work with the rural communities to put a stop to this criminal activity."
