Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England have today come together in a commitment to intensify their fight against rural crime.
Norfolk’s PCC, Lorne Green, was joined by the PCCs for Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire in signing a Rural Crime Concordat, pledging to work across county borders to tackle the crime issues affecting rural communities.
The signing of the Concordat took place at the Norfolk PCC’s Rural Crime Summit, hosted by Anglia Farmers, giving Norfolk’s rural communities, organisations, land and business owners the opportunity to have their say on the county’s proposed new rural policing strategy.
“People here in Norfolk told me about their crime and policing concerns and what they felt they needed from the police to feel safer living or working in their local area”, PCC Lorne Green said.
“I pledged to take up their concerns and drive forward Norfolk’s approach to tackling rural crime.
“Representatives of Norfolk’s rural communities have today had the chance to find out what more our police will be doing to address their concerns about police visibility, to tackle feelings of isolation, help them feel more engaged with their police service, and encourage the reporting of rural crime.
“But the rural crime issues affecting our county are by no means unique to Norfolk. Criminals do not respect county boundaries, and that is why, as eastern region PCCs, we are pledging to join forces, work across borders and be united in our commitment to fighting rural crime.”
'Threatens local livelihoods'
The PCC for Cambridgeshire, Jason Ablewhite, said rural Crime 'continues to be a big problem' across the UK.
“It threatens local livelihoods, puts pressure on policing resources and increases the fear of crime within our rural communities.
“Figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual show Cambridgeshire was the fourth highest county for rural thefts last year. It’s more important than ever that we work together to continue to address this threat.”
Lincolnshire PCC Marc Jones said: “It is a clear signal to would-be criminals that the combined will and resources of our forces will be brought to bear to protect our rural communities and that historic borders will not afford them any protection.
“Our collective endeavours will tackle issues such as hare coursing that plague our beautiful countryside and, by this commitment together, we are being clear about our objective to meet these challenges head on in to the future.”
Suffolk PCC Tim Passmore Said: “Suffolk is a safe place in which to live, work, travel and invest, but it is a large rural county and this brings its own challenges.
“Rural areas typically tend to be safer, but I do believe that the impact of crime can be greater on victims in isolated rural locations, making them feel more vulnerable.
Clarke Willis, Group CEO of Anglia Farmers, welcomed the opportunity to host the summit, saying: “Our members are at the heart of Norfolk’s rural community so it is fitting that the new Norfolk Rural Policing Strategy is unveiled at Anglia Farmers.
“People who live and work in rural areas should have the confidence that their views are being listened to and acted upon. A selection of Anglia Farmers’ farmer members from across the county were here to share their views and thoughts on rural policing, and hear how the PCC is looking to address their issues and concerns.”
