Rural crime fund launches across South Yorkshire
© Adobe Stock A £443,000 rural crime fund has launched across South Yorkshire to support farmers and residents.
It will offer grants, policing operations and prevention measures to protect communities and businesses.
The scheme is being delivered by South Yorkshire Police with the aim of strengthening efforts to protect rural communities and businesses, including farmers, from crime.
See also: Farmers hit as fly-tipping reaches record levels
Financial support is available to rural residents and businesses to purchase and install crime prevention products aimed at reducing the risk of victimisation.
Funding of £500-£2,000 is available, depending on factors including previous reported crimes at a property and the assessed future risk.
The grant can be used for CCTV cameras, security lighting, enhanced signage, drones and other target-hardening measures, following tailored advice from police officers.
Chief Inspector Peter Spratt, rural crime lead at South Yorkshire Police, said: “The South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative has been launched in direct response to the issues we are hearing about from our county’s farmers and landowners.
“From stolen equipment to damaged crops, we know rural crime hits livelihoods hard.
“This is about reflecting our commitment to supporting the victims of these crimes and preventing further harm.
“It doesn’t just affect property; it undermines the sense of safety and trust which holds these tightknit communities together.
“And when crime rises then so too do feelings of isolation and vulnerability.”
Police will increase engagement and enforcement activity across the county, working with partners and local councils on joint operations, environmental improvements, and issues including fly-tipping and vandalism.
Kilvinder Vigurs, deputy mayor for policing, said the funding would give “farmers, landowners and rural residents the tools they need to safeguard their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience against crime,” and encouraged eligible residents and businesses to apply and report offences.