Countryside Alliance launches 2024 National Rural Crime Survey

The Countryside Alliance has today (23 October 2024) launched its 2024 National Rural Crime Survey and is urging rural residents to participate in it to share their experiences of crime in rural areas, and to ensure that their voices are heard. The survey aims to gather crucial data to help shape future policy and raise awareness of the unique challenges rural communities face when it comes to crime and policing.

With rural crime on the rise in recent years, the survey offers farmers, landowners, rural business owners, and residents the chance to voice their concerns and report how they feel about local policing, crime prevention, and safety. The data collected will be used to lobby the government to ensure better protection for rural communities.

The 2023 survey showed that nearly six out of 10 people living in the countryside do not think rural policing has improved since Police and Crime Commissioners were introduced in 2012. Research from the House of Commons Library shows a 32% increase in rural crime since 2011, compared to 24% in urban areas. This includes nearly 130,000 more reported offences, with an additional 30,000 cases of criminal damage and arson. These figures highlight a significant disconnect between rural issues and government policies.

Key focus areas

The 2024 survey will focus on a wide range of issues impacting rural communities, including:

• Theft of agricultural machinery and equipment - a growing concern with organised crime groups targeting farms.
• Fly-tipping - has blighted rural landscapes and put a financial strain on landowners.
• Poaching and livestock theft - affecting both wildlife and farming livelihoods.
• Rural policing and crime response times - exploring how well rural areas are served by local police forces, including perceptions of crime reporting and follow-up.

Sarah Lee, Director of Policy at the Countryside Alliance, said:

"Rural communities often feel overlooked when it comes to crime, and the National Rural Crime Survey is a vital for showing the true scale of the problem. By taking part, rural residents can help ensure that the government, police and Police and Crime Commissioners understand the unique pressures they face."

The survey is open to the public until the end of November 2024, with the findings set to be published in early 2025. To take part, click here.