Challenges in Rural Crime Policing: A Concern Raised by Rural Communities

Rural Crime Prevention (thinkific.com)

In the recent Rural Crime Survey conducted by The Countryside Alliance, rural communities have voiced their concerns about the seriousness with which the police address rural crime. An overwhelming 97% of respondents identified rural crime as a "significant" issue in their communities. However, a staggering 49% felt that law enforcement did not take it seriously.

More than two-thirds of those who refrained from reporting incidents to the police expressed a common sentiment - that doing so would be a "waste of time."

The most frequently reported rural crimes included fly-tipping, agricultural machinery theft, and trespassing. This issue came into focus during National Rural Crime Action Week (18-24 September 2023), where police forces acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers due to criminal activities.

Recent efforts, such as the establishment of the National Rural Crime Unit and Buckinghamshire MP Greg Smith's Equipment Theft (Prevention) Bill, aim to combat rural crime. Nonetheless, organised criminal groups continue to pose a threat to rural communities, stealing livestock and farm machinery.

The impact of these crimes extends beyond the financial realm, affecting farming families emotionally and leaving rural communities feeling vulnerable. The creation of the National Rural Crime Unit is a positive step, offering hope for improved collaboration and intelligence sharing.

Rural Services Network chief executive, Kerry Booth, highlights the need for better understanding from government and elected Police and Crime Commissioners, as rural areas often experience delayed responses to emergency calls. This issue particularly affects the elderly population, forcing them to invest in additional security measures due to their vulnerability.

NFU vice-president David Exwood said highly-organised gangs continue to ‘plague' the British countryside by stealing livestock and farm machinery which was a reason to keep highlighting the issues.

"Farms often double as family homes and small businesses and these crimes have a significant impact on farming families, both financially and emotionally, and have left many rural communities feeling vulnerable and intimidated," Mr Exwood added.

Addressing rural crime requires a comprehensive understanding of rural communities, and it is crucial that stakeholders work together to create safer rural environments.

In conclusion, the work of our Police Forces across the UK is commendable but as a member of the Rural Community you MUST be thinking of preventing rural crime rather than responding to it after you have been targeted and victimied. Act now to protect your family, your business and your community: Rural Crime Prevention (thinkific.com)

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