Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has highlighted the outstanding progress being made to proactively disrupt rural crime.
The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC said the force’s dedicated Rural Crime Team had made a huge impact since expanding in June 2022, helping to disrupt the activities of rural criminals, recover stolen property, prevent theft and bring more criminals to justice.
The PCC was instrumental in the creation of the team when he made rural crime a priority in his first Police and Crime Plan.
He agreed funding to bolster the Rural Crime Team from three to eight officers a year after coming into office and within 12 months the team had already recovered £1m worth of stolen farm equipment and plant machinery.
As part of Rural Crime Action Week, Mr Matthews held meetings with farmers and key agricultural representatives to discuss the positive achievements that have been made through his investment and to identify further opportunities for improvement.
Mr Matthews joined a meeting of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) where the work of the Rural Crime Team was praised. Leicestershire is leading the way in several key areas including livestock worrying and promotion of a rural crime app across the force.
Mr Matthews also met Dilwyn Harries, National Farmers’ Union (NFU) County Adviser for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, and local farmers to discuss the improvements being made to protect rural livelihoods and prevent crime.
Mr Matthews said: “Our rural residents and businesses deserve the very best service from their police force, and this has been a priority for me since I was first elected in 2021.
“From the outset, I met and listened to our rural communities and heard about the unique problems they face. I worked with the force to deliver a strong and robust response. Our investment in new resources and an expanded Rural Crime Team has brought huge dividends in crime disruption and detection and I am proud of the recent feedback we have received from rural industry representatives.
“We want to do more, so that we can help to build the safe and prosperous communities in which we all wish to live. The foundations have been laid and I will continue to support the work of our rural team to increase trust and confidence among our rural communities.”
Alongside investment in the Rural Crime Team, the Commissioner supported the development of a QR code making it easier for the rural community to report crime.
In addition, a new app was created to support all frontline officers with information on the powers and legislation available to tackle rural crime.
The Commissioner also launched the Volunteers on Horseback scheme with Leicestershire Police which sees 20 volunteers working with the Rural Crime Team to support their work and has funded training to all call handlers and staff within the call bureau on rural, wildlife and heritage crime.
Ends
Media Enquiries:
Sallie Blair
Better Times
Telephone 01283 821012
Mobile 07702 541401
Posted on Friday 25th October 2024