The cost of rural crime in Dorset has fallen by 28% since 2021, according to a recent report from insurer NFU Mutual.
The 2023 Rural Crime Report, which was published by NFU Mutual on Tuesday 1 August 2023, revealed that rural crime cost Dorset £348,000 last year – a reduction of 28% from 2021.
Dorset was one of just a few forces nationally to see a reduction in the cost of rural crime claims of agricultural vehicles, machinery and livestock thefts.
Following the release of the report, Chief Inspector Andy Edwards of Dorset Police said: “We understand that rural crime has huge financial implications for farms and agricultural businesses and can leave farming families feeling vulnerable.
“The findings of the report show that Dorset is making good progress in the fight against rural crime and we’re very proud of our Rural Crime Team for what they’ve managed to achieve.
“From our extensive range of engagement events, we are aware of the concerns that members of rural communities have. We are committed to working with our partners to tackle local issues of concern and are focussed on being tough on crime, continuing to deliver exceptional local policing and making policing increasingly visible and connected in local communities”.
Matt Uren, Senior Agent at NFU Mutual in Dorchester, said: “While the fall in the cost of rural crime last year in Dorset is welcome, unfortunately we know from experience there is no room for complacency, as criminals continue to scour the countryside.
“This not only causes disruption to farming businesses, but widespread concern to those who live and work in the countryside.
“Loss of vital machinery and GPS equipment causes huge disruption to farmers who are already stretched to the limit and replacing kit in the current economic situation can take months, adding additional stress. That’s why we are working with farmers to help protect their livelihoods, sharing our advice and expertise as the main insurer of the UK’s farmers and offering support.”
In a bid to tackle rural crime, Dorset Police invested in forming a Rural Crime Team back in 2016. This team was increased through uplift in 2021 and now consists of an Inspector, a Sergeant, seven Police Officers, dedicated Police Community Support Officers and a Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, all supported by a number of Special Constables and Police Volunteers who work together to prevent rural crime and protect rural communities.
The introduction of the Rural Crime Team has increased police presence in rural areas, and the force have subsequently seen a rise in reports of crime from the public.
As part of their valuable work, the Rural Crime Team have also worked hard to introduce and raise the profile of Horse Watch, Farm Watch and Heritage Watch schemes.
Inspector Richard Jeffery, of the Rural Crime Team in Dorset Police, added: “While we’re pleased to see a reduction in rural crime across Dorset, we’re aware that the national figure tells a different story.
“We want people living in rural communities to know that we are never complacent; this latest data highlights that the work we’re doing is having the desired impact, and we’re committed to continue doing everything we can to protect those living in rural areas.
“In the past 12 months we’ve increased policing resources in rural areas; we’ve spoken directly to people living in isolated communities, and we’ve worked closely with partner organisations and neighbouring forces, to step-up policing in rural hotspots and tackle cross-border criminality head-on.
“We encourage anyone with information or intelligence in relation to Rural Crime to contact Dorset Police Rural Crime Team via our website: www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/rwc/rural/report-rural-crime/, or by calling 101. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick concluded: “I am pleased that we are starting to see the positive effect of the hard work that has gone into improving the service our rural residents receive from their police force.
“My thanks go to Dorset Police and all the partner agencies that help tackle rural crime in Dorset, for their hard work and commitment to both preventing future crimes and supporting victims.
“I know that there is still more work to be done, which is why I will continue to chair the Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime to bring together partner agencies working to tackle the many forms of rural crime. It is only by working together we can truly combat every aspect of rural crime and make Dorset a safer county for all.”
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team are continuing to attend events across the county throughout August and September. For information about reporting a crime or advice on how you can protect your property, speak with the team:
- Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show, 16 and 17 August
- Melplash Show, 24 August
- Dorset County Show, 2 and 3 September
Pictured: Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, Charlotte Baylis with Police Community Support Officer, Alex Bishop