Your latest column from CLA East

With the CLA continuing to challenge the government over its inheritance tax plans and our work developing relationships with the new ministerial team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) underway, it is important not to forget some of the day-to-day challenges that many farmers and land managers face.

We have just seen the latest National Rural Crime Action Week take place which presented an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight key concerns when it comes to criminal activity in the countryside.

As we enter autumn the perennial problem of hare coursing is likely to increase now that fields are clear of crops and the ground softer following recent rain. It should not be underestimated how serious this crime is. The damage to gates, crops and hedges as people gain illegal entry to fields and trespass on land to set their dogs on hares is one aspect of concern.

There is also the impact on local wildlife, but possibly of greatest worry is the threats and violence that those undertaking this crime will not hesitate to use if confronted. I know of farmers who have been shot at with ball bearings, been assaulted and have had some very serious threats made against them.

Other crimes that our farming and landowning members face include the theft of plant machinery and satellite navigation systems, fly-tipping and sheep worrying to name just a few. I heard recently of a member in our region who has suffered repeated incidents of processed waste dumped on their land, costing thousands of pounds to clear each time.

At the CLA we know that police budgets are not infinite and that resources are spread thinly. That is why it is so important for the public to report all incidents on rural crime when they occur. This enables the police to build a bank of intelligence and target their resources so that they have the greatest impact.

You should always call 999 for emergencies when a crime is taking place. For non-emergencies dial 101 or use your local police force's online reporting service via their websites.

Farmers and land managers are producing food, protecting the environment, creating jobs, providing housing, boosting tourism and delivering a range of other societal benefits to support the rural economy. The last thing they need is the stress, anxiety and financial burden of crime and the CLA will continue to ensure that police forces in our region take it seriously.