CLA joins Sussex roundtable to strengthen fight against rural crime

Farmers and landowners from across Mid Sussex, alongside representatives from Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team and the CLA, have met to discuss local concerns, share insight and strengthen partnerships aimed at tackling rural crime.

The Mid Sussex Rural Crime Roundtable, convened by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne and hosted at Balcombe Estate, was part of an ongoing programme of engagement to ensure rural voices are heard and reflected in policing activity.

Attendees discussed the devastating impact of livestock attacks, including a recent case in which dogs were responsible for repeated attacks on sheep in the Horsham area. Updates were shared on strengthened police powers under new legislation, including enhanced powers to seize dogs and pursue prosecutions.

The ongoing theft of agricultural machinery, particularly quad bikes, was raised as a major concern, with links to organised criminal networks operating nationally and internationally.

One local farmer said: “When my quad bike was stolen, even though it was recovered, the impact on the farm was significant. We rely on this equipment daily – delays and lack of updates as a victim are incredibly frustrating.”

Police highlighted closer working with national and international agencies, as well as the importance of property marking and intelligence sharing.

Fly-tipping remains a persistent issue, with concerns raised about limited local authority resources, enforcement challenges and links to unlicensed waste carriers.

Lucy Charman, CLA South East rural adviser who attended the roundtable, said: “This is a national issue requiring stronger joint working between councils, police and government departments. Without proper resourcing, enforcement will always be a challenge.”

While less prevalent in Mid Sussex than elsewhere in Sussex, hare coursing was recognised as part of wider organised criminal activity, often linked to illegal gambling and international online streaming.

Significant concerns were raised around the table about delays and backlogs in firearms licensing, with farmers highlighting the operational and legal risks caused by extended waiting times.

Lucy Charman said: “A national, consistent approach to licensing is long overdue. Rural businesses depend on a system that is efficient and reliable.”

An emerging concern raised was the increasing use of catapults and slingshots for criminal damage, including incidents linked to social media trends.

Lucy added: "We are actively exploring options for legislative change to ensure there is a legitimate reason for carrying these items.”

Sussex Police representatives stressed the importance of reporting incidents through intelligence platforms such as the DISC application to build an accurate picture of the problem.

Alongside the key issues discussed, Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team shared updates on recent enforcement activity, including closer working with CID, national agencies and partners to target organised criminality and improve outcomes for victims.

PCC Katy Bourne said: “Our rural communities are vital to Sussex, not only as custodians of our countryside but as key contributors to our local economy.

“These roundtables provide an essential opportunity for farmers, landowners and partners to speak directly with police and shape the joint response to rural crime.

“I remain committed to ensuring rural crime continues to be a priority, with the support and resources needed to protect our countryside communities.”

Insights gathered from the session will help inform future policing activity and support targeted action to tackle rural crime across the area.