£443k funding launches to tackle rural crime in South Yorkshire

The South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative has been launched to offer help in tackling the crimes that significantly impact the lives and livelihoods of farmers, landowners and local residents in rural communities.  

It follows a £443,000 grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to further boost efforts to protect rural communities and businesses, including farmers, from crime. 

Financial support is available for rural residents and businesses to purchase and install crime prevention products and materials, with the aim of lessening the risk of becoming a victim of crime. 

The funding can be used to pay for products such as CCTV cameras, security lighting, enhanced signage, drones and other target hardening measures, following tailored advice and guidance from SYP officers. 

Varying levels of financial support are available from £500 up to £2,000, depending on a range of factors, including previous instances of crime reported at a property and the determined risk of being a victim in the future. 

READ MORE: Two former agricultural college students sentenced for killing sheep 

‘Rural crime hits livelihoods hard’

SYP will also be delivering heightened engagement and enforcement activity across the county to tackle the rural crimes affecting farmers and landowners.  

This will include strengthening their work with communities and partners to ensure a joined-up approach to tackling rural crime through joint operations and environmental improvements and linking in with local councils to tackle issues such as fly-tipping and vandalism. 

SYP chief inspector Peter Spratt, the force’s rural crime lead, said that the South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative has been launched in direct response to the issues the officers have been hearing about from the county’s farmers and landowners.  

“From stolen equipment to damaged crops, we know rural crime hits livelihoods hard, and this is about reflecting our commitment to supporting the victims of these crimes and preventing further harm. 

“We know rural crime has a profound impact on our farming communities. It doesn’t just affect property; it undermines the sense of safety and trust which holds these tight-knit communities together, and when crime rises, then so too do feelings of isolation and vulnerability. 

“Alongside this new initiative, we are increasing our visibility, improving our response and supporting our rural community to invest in prevention measures such as drones, GPS tracking and CCTV to help us identify those committing these crimes. 

“It will take a unified approach to tackle these issues, and today I’m urging landowners, farmers and residents to work with us and support our work by reporting rural crime and information to us. All reports and pieces of intelligence help us to build up a clearer picture of the offending and ensure we can respond more effectively in your area.” 

The officers will also  regularly hold meetings and events with farmers and landowners to discuss progress on tackling these issues and set local priorities alongside our neighbourhood policing teams.  

Kilvinder Vigurs, Deputy Mayor for Policing for South Yorkshire, said: “South Yorkshire’s rural communities play a vital role in our region, and they deserve to feel safe, supported and protected. That is why we have made this funding available – to give farmers, landowners and rural residents the tools they need to safeguard their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience against crime.  

“By investing in these communities and working closely with South Yorkshire Police, we are taking a proactive and targeted approach to tackling rural crime and reducing the fear of crime.  

“These funds are only one measure to support rural communities; we also need the public to protect our countryside and do their bit to keep it free from fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. 

“I encourage all eligible residents and businesses to consider the support available and continue working with the police to keep our rural areas safe for everyone.” 

To find out more and check if you are eligible for financial support, visit the South Yorkshire Rural Crime Initiative website here.  

If you want to pass on information about rural crime or suspicious activity in your area, we want to know about it. You can report rural and wildlife crimes online here or call 101. If a crime is in action, always call 999. 

READ MORE: ‘How can it be fair to punish victims of crime?’- Fly-tipping hits record high

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