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Let's make rural crime history

The newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are currently writing their Police and Crime Plans and identifying their police force's priorities and objectives of how they want to tackle crime.

Please take this opportunity to make your feelings known and ask your PCC to take rural crime seriously. The crime rate in rural areas has surged by 32% since 2011. This is compared to 24% for urban areas, with a total rise of almost 130,000 reported offences, including almost 30,000 more offences of criminal damage and arson. These incidents not only pose a significant threat to the safety and security of those who live in our rural communities but also undermine the livelihoods of those who rely on agriculture and other rural industries.

The Countryside Alliance is concerned that current policing efforts may not be adequately prioritising rural crime and is urging you to take action and ask your PCC to include the following measures to combat rural crime:

  • Overhaul the way police prioritise rural crime.
  • Support dedicated rural crime teams.
  • Ensure the police take rural crime seriously.
  • Rebuild trust between rural communities and the police.
  • Encourage rural communities to report rural crime.
  • Target police resources better.

By incorporating these measures into their plan, we can work together to combat rural crime and ensure the safety and security of our rural communities.

Please note: If you live in North Yorkshire or South Yorkshire, you will not be able to participate in this e-lobby due to the PCC responsibilities forming part of the newly created mayoral administrations and no contact details being currently available. The Metropolitan Police Force has also been excluded as they do not cover any rural areas, as have Scotland and Northern Ireland.