Understanding the impact of rural crime

Posted at 15:15 on 27th March 2025 in Announcements

An image of several people sat around a meeting table

Yesterday, along with Chief Constable Sarah Crew, I met with members of the Avon and Somerset Police Rural Affairs Forum for their annual meeting. We were joined by representatives of the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Country Land and Business Association (CLBA). The meeting also included Superintendent Lisa Simpson, Area Commander for Somerset, and Inspector Dan Ashfield from the Avon and Somerset Police Rural Crime Team.

Rural communities can provide a sense of belonging and support for people living in remote towns and villages, and they ensure economic viability through the production of food, energy and other essential resources. It’s essential the police and rural communities regularly communicate to build trust and confidence in policing.

I recognise that rural crime poses unique challenges. It requires a tailored approach to keep people and their property in rural communities safe and secure. Rural crime, in all its forms, is something which has profound consequences for those who reside, and own businesses, in the countryside.

I am committed to working closely with Avon and Somerset Police, and other key stakeholders, such as the NFU and the CLBA, to address these challenges and ensure that the response to rural crime is aligned to my Police and Crime Plan – focused on prevention, enforcement, and community engagement.

In yesterday’s meeting we covered a wide range of issues including; the under-reporting of rural crime, the use of social media and community WhatsApp groups to improve confidence in reporting, the sharing of information, strengthening local neighbourhood teams so they are better aligned to the needs of rural communities, and the role of the police’s Rural Crime Team.

There was also discussion around the impact that rural crime has on the mental health of those within farming communities and the work that the National Farmers Union is doing to support farmers.

The police lead for rural crime, Superintendent Lisa Simpson provided an update on the forthcoming Rural Crime Strategy. The strategy is aimed at preventing and reducing rural crime, enhancing community engagement, improving the response and investigation of rural crime and providing support to victims and witnesses that is specifically tailored to their needs. I look forward to working with Avon and Somerset Police to ensure that this strategy makes a difference, that it meets the needs of people from rural communities and counteracts the impact of the serious harm caused by rural crime.