Minister announces continued support for rural crime units
Policing Minister pledges further £800K in fight against crime in the countryside
The Minister for Policing and Crime has confirmed a further £800,000 in funding to support two units that help fight rural crime
Sarah Jones MP will make the announcement at the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) annual conference today (Tuesday).
The government is committing to continued funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the National Rural Crime Unit, with over £800,000 in total for the next financial year.
'Step in the right direction'
Lucy Charman, the CLA’s National Rural Crime Network representative, said:
"Rural crime blights the countryside, so additional funding is welcome."
Farmers and communities – many already struggling with isolation – have had enough of criminals and violent organised gangs targeting them. They deserve to feel safe and protected
“This new funding is a step in the right direction in the fight against rural crime, and must be part of a wider package to equip more officers as well as improve rural training for call handlers and neighbourhood policing teams.”
Tim Passmore, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, said:
“Continued government funding for the rural and wildlife crime units is a vital step forward, and we welcome this commitment. But we also know it cannot stop here. Rural communities still face deep‑rooted fears about their safety, and more must be done to ensure they feel protected, supported, and heard.”
Minister Sarah Jones said:
“Rural crime devastates local communities yet often goes unseen. That’s why we’re boosting neighbourhood policing, continuing to invest in specialist units and giving officers better tools to pursue offenders and give rural communities the protection they deserve.
“By strengthening our partnerships with farmers, landowners and community groups, we can build a safer countryside – one where criminals know they will be caught, and every resident feels heard.
“And under the Government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, fly‑tippers will be forced to join clean‑up squads, restoring pride across our towns, villages and countryside.”
What is the Waste Crime Action Plan?
The government has made several announcements on rural crime and waste crime in recent days.
It has pledged:
- Fly-tippers will be forced to clean up waste themselves
- The government will directly fund the clear-up of some of the worst illegal waste sites in the country
- A Landfill Tax rebate for local authorities that step up to clear sites.
What is the NRCN?
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is a national membership organisation dedicated to giving rural communities a stronger voice in policing and crime prevention.
Founded in 2014, it brings together Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors, academics, rural advocates and industry partners to make rural areas safer, more connected and better represented in national policy.