The Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) took up post on George Square, Glasgow in the fight against rural crime.

SPARC in the City – an event which aimed to speak to those who live, work or visit rural areas – saw various organisations involved in SPARC interacting with those in the city centre throughout the day.

As well as a SPARC-branded Valtra T174EA and Kubota RTV X1110, supplied by the Hamilton Ross Group, there was also a branded skip at the event, alongside police horses and activities for children.

Speaking on behalf of SPARC, Inspector Alan Dron, National Rural Crime Co-ordinator said: "We are delighted Glasgow City Council has provided this opportunity to highlight its work within the heart of the city. Regardless of geographical location, across Scotland our partners and police work extremely hard to make a real difference to communities and today is about raising awareness of rural crime and the steps being taken to reduce it. 


"Rural crime can impact on us all and it should be remembered incidents relating to for example high value theft of plant equipment or fly tipping are just as relevant to urban areas as they are to the rural. By bringing some of the work SPARC does into the centre of Glasgow, hopefully SPARC can help those who enjoy the rural environments to do so responsibly and contribute in whatever way to what we are trying to achieve.

"SPARC, with the combined effort of all 16 partners, is making great traction in this fight against rural crime and we have some exciting announcements and events coming up to help us see more results for the rural community in Scotland."