Sussex rural crime update: DNA sampling, catapult issues and more

I recently attended the bimonthly rural partnership meeting between regional representatives from CLA, BASC, NFU and Sussex Police, chaired by Andy Barker of the Rural Crime Team.

Updates from the rural crime team included some current hotspots of activity, including a spate of livestock issues around Horsham – with daily patrols and active enquiries to ascertain dog owners. This may be one of the first investigations to use new powers under The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025.

It was agreed by all that to improve evidence gathering, equipping livestock owners to collect DNA samples in the event of an incident in line with the required parameters (before a member of the force can attend and also before any veterinary treatment that might negate any sample being collected) could be highly beneficial and the group agreed to work together to deliver this.

Sussex Police has actively promoted responsible dog ownership for a number of years, working in partnership with Blue Cross, delivering Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC) to educate owners of dogs involved in incidents, such as livestock worrying, aiming to improve behaviour and safety.

Other interesting rural cases included geese being killed by catapult (DNA was located and a caution issued) and a developer who had failed to comply with ecological mitigation measures.

Recent police operations include targeted work in Ashdown and Broadbridge and a multiagency operation at Newhaven port to identify illegal waste exports, importation of illegal meats alongside more standard checks for machinery theft etc.

High on all of the rural partners priorities across the South East is to ensure that members know their local force representatives, to establish points of contact and improve communications.

It is heartening to hear that the Sussex team has prioritised this, with over 130 farm visits delivered and 161 different community engagement activities, as well as attending the ploughing match at Horsham. The rural crime team is also delivering inhouse training to neighbourhood and control centre teams to ensure there is a joined-up approach to rural policing across Sussex.

Partner updates included the changes to night licenses for deer management, to ensure police are aware there might be increased activity. I raised the need for updates on firearms timeframes for grants and renewals and also highlighted the growing threat of overnight development where travellers are taking occupation of a site outside of working hours and adding all infrastructure before a local planning authority has an opportunity to stop it.

I would be delighted to hear from any members in the South East if there is a specific concern that should be shared with one of the region's police forces.