New service launched for farmers to report crime anonymously

A new service for farmers to report rural crime anonymously has been launched by the NFU, in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers.

The Rural Crime Reporting Line aims to tackle the serious issues surrounding criminal behaviour on farms and in the countryside and is supported by the police.

By ringing 0800 783 0137 or visiting the Rural Crime Reporting Line website, farmers, rural businesses and the public can anonymously give information about crime relating to:

• Large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
• Hare coursing
• Machinery theft
• Livestock theft

At a launch event in Westminster on Tuesday (10 July), the service was unveiled to MPs, who are being urged to encourage their constituents to report crimes in their area.

See also: 7 tips to foil farm arsonists

NFU deputy president Guy Smith said: “Rural crime can be devastating for farmers and their businesses and it is something that many experience all too often.

“I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about these rural crimes to come forward and call the line – your information could be extremely valuable.”

Nearly a year on from releasing its Rural Crime Report, the NFU is continuing to call on the government to focus on rural crime and address the failures in dealing with it.

Crimestoppers’ director of business development, Rodger Holden, said: “This initiative strives to reduce and detect crimes that directly threaten people’s livelihoods and their peace of mind, and are a real cost to us all.

“We all have a responsibility to support the countryside by working together to combat criminal activity.”