Rural crime can be defined as any crime or anti-social behaviour which occurs in rural areas. It is often linked to Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) who target and exploit rural communities across a range of crime types.
Some examples of rural crime:
- Wildlife and heritage crimes
- Farm equipment and machinery theft
- Livestock offences including worrying, attacks and theft
- Burglaries targeting firearms
- Poaching including hare coursing and fish poaching and
- Fly tipping
- Fraud
Rural crime often has an impact on people’s livelihoods and the community as well as individually. Some effects may include, loneliness, guilt, isolation, scared of further incidents etc. These are all valid feelings and our caseworkers are available to help support you.
Rural crime often goes unreported as it is not clear whether it is an offence or not. Advice is available on your local police website if you are not sure. Remember reporting a crime is always your choice. For more information on reporting a crime, take a look at our section around reporting a crime.
Measures you can take to prevent rural crime:
- Keeping outbuildings and land secure
- Investing in CCTV that has the ability to store the information as well as record.
- Ensure all tools are out of sight or locked away.
- Mark tools/property/livestock with appropriate markers.
- Consider fitting outdoor security lights.