Appeal to crack down on rural crime in the North East

The charity has launched an appeal for anonymous information to help protect hard-pressed rural communities across the North East.

Criminal gangs exploit local wildlife, environment and communities in many ways: rural residents often feel unsafe in their own homes; farm owners have to foot the bill for criminal damage; and local businesses in rural areas can see their income and cashflow adversely affected.

Ruth McNee, Crimewatch's North East Regional Manager, said: “Our charity knows how damaging crime in the countryside can be: to local communities, to rural businesses, to farmers, wildlife and the environment.

“Every day we hear from people who are in the know about those involved in damaging our beautiful countryside across the North East, but there is so much more we can do.

"By telling us anonymously what you know, whether you live or are visiting rural areas, your information can help make all the difference.

In the year to April 2021, Crimestoppers nationally received nearly 2,700 anonymous reports about rural crime. This is a 14% increase on the year before but suggests a degree of under-reporting.

Last year the charity passed on over 7,400 anonymous pieces of information given from the people in the North East region.

The scheme has seen a number of rural crimes thwarted including a man using aggressive dogs to hut deer and rabbits, tradesmen burying asbestos in the ground, and theft of high value far equipment such as diggers, caterpillars, tractors and bobcats. The stolen equipment has ben sold as far away as Europe.

In figures released this week, NFU Mutual estimates that rural theft cost the UK a staggering £43.3m in 2020 and in the North East £7.8m.

John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “With headlines often focused on crime in the cities, it is easy to forget rural crime, but rural crime is increasing and is a serious issue. From hare coursing to machinery theft, the impact of rural crime on victims’ lives and livelihood can be enormous, with victims often left with long-term anxiety. Together we can stop it.”

Crimestoppers has been working with Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help raise the profile of rural crime. They want people to know what it is, why it’s a problem and what the public can do to help.

Key themes will focus on wildlife crime, environmental crime and theft, all of which have a detrimental and often crushing affect rural communities.

Initially, the campaign will explore hare coursing, poaching and badger baiting, with advice on how to spot the signs, sharing prevention advice and hearing from organisations who work with the police and other partners to prevent and solve these crimes.

The campaign will also share guest content from partners in the police to learn what they’re doing and how your anonymous information can help police investigations.

The charity’s four-week local and national campaign is supported by NFU Mutual, RSPCA, Countryside Alliance, NFU, Openreach, FireStoppers, Link, National Wildlife Crime Unit, Environment Agency, CLA and the Angling Trust.

All information is anonymised.