Local organisations have joined forces to help tackle rural crime in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Partnership Against Rural Crime was officially launched on Wednesday (October 20).

The initiative will bring together representatives from a range of organisations who have a vested interest in tackling crime which affects rural communities in the area.

There will be a key focus on various types of rural crime including fuel, plant and machinery theft, poaching, equestrian incidents, fly tipping, heritage crime (including visitor management) and livestock offences.

Inspector Andy Bushell, from Callander Police Station, said: “Tackling rural crime is a priority and this partnership is one way in which we are looking to disrupt and detect criminal activity, with local businesses and residents being faced with financial losses and significant disruption as a result of this opportunistic activity.

“The local community plays a key part in helping officers tackle this type of criminality.

“Residents and landowners can also take steps to protect their property and avoid falling victim to rural crime, including deterrent signage, lighting, security marking, CCTV, physical security measures and an alarm system.”

Kenny Auld, head of visitor services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “The vast majority of people who live, work and come to visit the National Park are respectful of the landscape and of the rural communities here.

“However, we also know that rural crime is an issue and one that seriously impacts the residents and businesses within the park who are victims of it.”

Crime can be reported by calling the Police Scotland 101 non-emergency number or at scotland.police.uk/contact-us.

You can also phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make a report anonymously.