Police call for tougher measures to combat rural crime

Equivalent fines for urban and rural crimes and tougher measures are needed to deter criminals, according to the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Ahead of Rural Crime Action Week (8-12 September), Philip Wilkinson said rural and urban crimes should be treated the same and changes have been made in his police force to reflect that.

See also: One in five rural residents consider leaving due to crime

According to NFU Mutual, rural crime cost the industry an estimated £44.1m in 2024 and quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) remained the top target, with thefts amounting to an estimated £2.7m.

“These are crimes against people who live in rural communities. You don’t differentiate between a rural and an urban murder, so we have made changes here and deploy the most appropriate resources for the crime reported, and that can be our armed response team,” he told Farmers Weekly.

Difference in fines

However, he said the vast difference in fines for criminal behaviour is something magistrates need to address.

“Those caught fly tipping may get fined £1,500 but hare coursing might only get a £350 fine and that’s hopeless, because that does not reflect the seriousness of the crime,” added Mr Wilkinson.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims) agreed that tougher measures are needed.

“Crime against livestock farming and the supply chain is a crime against the country’s food security. And with farming and food processing recognised as one of the UK’s 13 designated areas of critical national infrastructure, then the seriousness of this criminal activity must be dealt with accordingly,” said Aims’ head of communications Tony Goodger.

Report what you know

A major stumbling block for police forces across the country, however, was under-reporting of crimes said Mr Wilkinson. He urged farmers to co-operate.

“Tell us if you see anything suspicious, or if you witness crime. Tell us, then we will do our level best to respond, because we all need to work on this together,” he added.

Lucy Charman, Country Land and Business Association representative for the National Rural Crime Network, also urged the industry to engage.

“Use 101 if you feel something is ‘not quite right’ – it may just be the missing piece of intelligence to build a proper picture. We can’t fight for extra resources if the actual scale is unknown,” she said.