While the overall cost of rural crime has shown signs of a welcome reduction, new figures highlight worrying rises in the theft of high-value farm vehicles, fuel and livestock1. With fly-tipping and dog attacks also still commonplace, the NFU says more must be done to build on this momentum and turn progress into lasting change. These crimes not only hit farmers鈥� livelihoods and blight the countryside, they also take a deep personal toll on those affected.
Discussions between MPs, farmers, Police and Crime Commissioners and rural crime experts today at the NFU鈥檚 Summer Reception2 centred on the importance of cross-sector collaboration, highlighting the critical importance of working together to deliver the NFU鈥檚 practical plan of action designed to bring tangible improvements to rural communities.
皇家华人called on government and policing bodies to build on the legislative progress it has helped deliver by maintaining and strengthening support for the National Rural Crime Unit, improve funding for rural forces and introduce new legislation to keep pace with changing criminal methods.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: 鈥淲e know that when everyone pulls together 鈥� farmers, police, government and local leaders 鈥� we can achieve real, practical results.
鈥淧rogress on hare coursing, equipment theft and livestock protection, driven by years of dedicated NFU lobbying3, show what鈥檚 possible. But it mustn鈥檛 stop there. Rural crime is still damaging lives and businesses every day, and farmers need to know their concerns are being taken seriously and acted on.
鈥淥ur Investment and Innovation Blueprint4 sets out what is needed: better enforcement, properly funded rural policing and the tools to stop these crimes before they happen.
鈥淔armers deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses and fields. Rural crime is not just about property. It鈥檚 about lives, livelihoods and the future of British farming.鈥�
Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said: 鈥淭he impact of rural crime isn't just financial loss 鈥� it strikes at the heart of our farming communities and their way of life.
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鈥淲e have provided new funding this year to boost collaboration across police forces to target organised crime groups stealing farm equipment, and are delivering on the Equipment Theft Act, which will make it harder for criminals to sell stolen agricultural equipment.
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鈥淏ut as this report shows, more needs to be done. Through the forthcoming Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy and Safer Streets Mission, we are determined to ensure the needs of rural communities are met with more visible and responsive neighbourhood policing.鈥澨�