Rural crime

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is asking Police and Crime Commissioner candidates to help in the fight against rural crime.

Ahead of the PCC elections on May 6, CLA East – which represents thousands of farmers, landowners and rural businesses in the area – is writing to each candidate urging them to support our five key asks.

We are asking them to commit to a rural manifesto focusing on the following five priorities: wildlife crime, support for the National Rural Crime Network, a focus on tackling crime against businesses, greater joined-up enforcement work, and an effort to promote education and the Countryside Code.

CLA East is writing to candidates today in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk.

CLA East Acting Regional Director Nick Sandford said: “Police and Crime Commissioners have the wherewithal to make a difference and can help protect rural communities through targeted funding, resourcing and training.

“For many CLA members, rural crime is a blight as criminals are often emboldened by the isolation of rural communities, leaving families, farmers and business owners feeling vulnerable and powerless.

“While much good work is already being done, police teams can be inadequately resourced to investigate and prevent criminal activity in the countryside.”

Mr Sandford added: “Next month’s elections are an important opportunity to ensure that the next Police and Crime Commissioners not only understand the cost and impact of rural crime, but are committed to taking a stand and reducing it.”