A new National Rural Crime Network, endorsed by eighteen (18) of the UK's Police and Crime Commissioners has been set-up to help tackle rural crime more effectively in England and Wales. A further 8 Commissioners are considering joining the group which could bring the total to around two thirds of PCCs across the two countries.
Rural Services Network officer, Nick Payne said "There is a common perception that rural crime is less significant than that occurring in cities and towns. The impact of rural crime is just as serious as it is elsewhere which is becoming an increasing problem as austerity bites and as police resources are stretched thinner. There are also strong links to serious organised gangs in relation to some classifications of rural crime, for example, theft of agricultural plant and machinery as well as the availability of drugs alongside more conventional issues such as wildlife and heritage crime."
The idea originated with the Rural Services Network, a 'not for profit' organisation which represents a diverse range of rural service providers in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
The Commissioners convened with police officers and representatives from the Rural Services Network with the Countryside Alliance as a key partner. Farmers Weekly Magazine, National Community Safety Network, the online crime reporting system 'Facewatch' were also part of the meeting to explore the concept in more detail.
"There is good collaborative work already occurring in some localities but it is widely acknowledged that sharing of best practice is patchy and urgently needs to be improved. The Network will ensure that this is effectively coordinated and sustained, added Mr. Payne.
It will also be developing strong links to academic research resources as well promoting successful techniques to encourage rural communities to become more self -resilient in these difficult times.
Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said "As the Commissioner for the largest rural police force in England, I am particularly keen to support this initiative. Clearly, crime in rural areas accounts for a large proportion of North Yorkshire Police's demand. There are significant pressures on rural police forces and by coming together, we will be able to speak in a strong and united voice. I am particularly pleased that the Network also includes other organisations dedicated to rural communities. In this way, we should all be able to learn from one another and work collaboratively on new ideas and solutions that will benefit our local people."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1) For further information contact Nick Payne, Rural Services Network on email [email protected]
2) The objectives of the National Rural Crime Network are initially to:-
• To act as a think tank on rural crime strategy.
• To facilitate and allow comparison of operational techniques in rural areas, region by region, to seek out/share best practice.
• To develop and target good publicity to encourage stronger local response from the rural public.
• To facilitate a national forum for discussion between relevant rural partners and appropriate national organisations and watch groups.
• To act as a forum to consider Community Safety Initiatives across rural areas.
3) The 18 interested Police and Crime Commissioners are:- Bedfordshire, Cheshire, Cleveland, Derbyshire, Devon and Cornwall, Durham, Dyfed-Powys, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Thames Valley, Warwickshire and West Mercia.
4) Progress on the further development of the group will be regularly posted on the Rural Services Network websitewww.rsnonline.org.uk