Rural crime strategy launched to fight organised gangs
New three-year plan launched to crackdown on organised crime groups which target farms and countryside
The Home Office has launched a new three-year rural crime strategy today (November 25) which it says will focus on "intelligence-led policing with advanced data analytics and crime mapping used to identify crime hotspots and track patterns of offending across the country”.
With new methods of reporting wildlife crime and increased legislative powers to recover stolen agricultural machinery, the announcement is positive news for those living in rural areas where many police forces have lacked resources.
In response to the news CLA President Gavin Lane said:
“Rural crime blights the countryside and is often linked to serious organised crime, so we welcome the launch of this new strategy and hope it leads to urgent action.
The CLA works closely with the police to ensure fighting rural crime is a priority, and we support the suggestion that rural crime teams should be embedded in every force, as well as the focus on improved data collection and analysis
“Farmers and communities – many already struggling with isolation – have had enough of criminals and violent organised gangs targeting them. Many Police and Crime Commissioners take fighting rural crime seriously, and with their roles being scrapped it’s vital our voice isn’t lost.
“As recent CLA analysis found, some police forces lack dedicated rural officers and basic kit. This new strategy is a step in the right direction, and must lead to direct action including more equipment for officers, improved training for call handlers ensure long-term funding of the National Rural Crime Unit.”
