Police pledge to make countryside a “hostile place” for rural offenders

Police have revealed their new tactics aimed at targeting rural crime.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) has outlined its new strategy to tackle rural crime and to make the area a “hostile place” for countryside offenders.

Its first rural crime strategy, valid until 2026, promises to proactively build public trust and confidence by targeting those suspected of committing serious organised crime.

Police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, explained: “TVP is already making great strides in bearing down on individuals and organised groups who are committing rural crime.

“The impact of rural crime can be devastating and can leave our most isolated communities feeling particularly vulnerable.”

Police say the Rural Crime Taskforce has seized more than £4m worth of property since it started two years ago.

Mr Barber continued: “The taskforce is working hard to bring offenders to justice and to collaborate with rural communities and organisations, such as the National Farmers Union (NFU), to make a real difference to the safety and security of farms, rural industries and our most isolated communities.”

Police will be monitoring crime trends, working with intelligence teams, increasing the number of wildlife crime officers and using WhatsApp groups to engage with communities.

Other tactics to disrupt and brings offenders to justice will involve working with neighbouring police forces, using drones and automated number plate recognition cameras and continuing to tackle hare coursing.

Ben Gibbons, of NFU South East, said: “It’s great to see TVP recognising the impact rural crime has on our farmers by producing a vital strategy.

“We’ve been grateful for being able to build such a close relationship in recent years to tackle the criminality affecting our members.

“For our farmers, it’s not only the cost of rural crime but the isolation and vulnerability of being targeted.

“It’s positive to see the strategy highlights communication and intelligence as key to combatting criminal activity.”

Strategic lead for rural crime, assistant chief constable Christian Bunt, added: “Tackling rural crime is a priority for TVP.

“We will be focused on working with our partners and communities to create a hostile environment for those who commit rural crime.

“For those who do commit rural crime, we will do all we can bring them to justice.”

Regional director of Country Land and Business Association (CLA), Tim Bamford, said: “The CLA has worked closely with the Rural Crime Taskforce and it has already achieved some impressive outcomes.

“We encourage all victims of crime to report incidents, to help police build up the most complete picture possible and allocate resources accordingly.”

Rural crime is defined as offences involving agriculture, the environment, heritage and wildlife.