Crimestoppers have launched their very first cross-border rural crime campaign to help fight the scourge of rural crime.
Teaming up with six police forces across the north of England- Cumbria, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Cleveland and Durham- police forces will use the initiative to tackle cross border rural crime.
The campaign seeks to prevent rural crimes by increasing community information about those who are carrying out them. The public will also be encouraged to report suspicious activity in rural areas, and forces will provide information on how to prevent criminals targeting farms.
Rural crime impacts rural residents emotionally, and it hits their pockets too – according to NFU Mutual’s 2024 Rural Crime Report, the cost of rural crime increased by 4.3% from 2022 to an estimated £52.8m. Criminals often travel large distances using roads such as the A66, A1 or M6 to carry out crimes causing misery and significant financial loss. Rural crime takes many forms, and often involves criminal gangs exploiting our local wildlife, environment and communities, which can lead to rural residents and business owners feeling unsafe after dark.
The new Crimestoppers campaign covers four themes: the theft of quad bikes and farm machinery, theft of livestock, burglary and poaching.
A statement by the partnership says: “The six forces will share intelligence and carry out joint operations which is successful in stopping travelling criminals.
“But with the help of the public, they can be more effective in targeting their resources and reducing crime in rural areas.
“Criminals may travel across areas to carry out burglaries or thefts from rural properties.”
Quad bikes and ATVs were also top targets for rural thieves last year, with thefts up 9% to an estimated £3.2m in claim costs reported to NFU Mutual.
In a positive sign of the co-ordinated action against thieves, the total claims cost for agricultural vehicles thefts reported fell 9% to an estimated £10.7m in 2023.
To report rural crime 100% anonymously, you can fill in a secure anonymous online form or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, 365 days of the year. In an emergency, always call 999.