New crime strategy set to protect rural communities

The strategy has been developed in response to the specific needs of rural communities and the growing threat posed by organised crime, NPCC explained. 

It will include an increased focus on intelligence-led policing with advanced data analytics and crime mapping used to identify crime hotspots and track patterns of offending across the country. 

This will enable forces to target organised crime groups (OCGs) operating in rural areas more effectively, ensuring resources are deployed where they are most needed. 

NPCC said that police are increasingly turning to new technology, such as increased use of air support in the form of drones, as they work together to tackle wildlife crime, often across vast and challenging terrains. 

New legislative powers under the Crime and Policing Bill due to gain Royal Assent next year will also allow officers to recover stolen agricultural machinery swiftly, without the need for a warrant. 

While national training programmes will be rolled out for tackling machinery theft, livestock crime, and wildlife offences with DNA analysis used to support investigations, improving the chances of police identifying offenders and securing successful prosecutions. 

‘Rural and wildlife crime is constantly evolving’

Deputy chief constable Nigel Harrison, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Rural and Wildlife Crime, said: “Up and down the country we have officers, often in dedicated rural crime units, working tirelessly with partner organisations to tackle rural and wildlife crime, engage with communities and disrupt criminal activity in rural areas. 

“The Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2025-2028 sets out clear priorities and helps focus these efforts, as well as enhancing our ability to share information and work together to keep our rural communities safe. 

“Rural and wildlife crime is constantly evolving, and by working with our communities and our stakeholders, we are best placed to meet this challenge with a response that is robust and effective. 

“This is about more than just protecting animals and property; this is about confronting serious organised criminality that exploits our environment and undermines communities.”  

Police chiefs said that they recognise rural communities can feel isolated and vulnerable. The strategy will embed and strengthen visible policing within rural areas so those who live and work in the countryside are connected to their local police teams and feel as safe as those within urban areas. 

Nine priorities

Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: “Whether it’s gangs stealing machinery and livestock or illegal hare coursing and fly-tipping, rural crime can wreak havoc on the livelihoods of farmers and countryside communities. 

 “This strategy is a vital step in our mission to deliver safer streets everywhere and comes as we give the police new powers to take on the organised criminal gangs targeting the agricultural sector. 

“Our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will also play a crucial role in embedding visible policing back into neighbourhoods, including rural areas.” 

The strategy is set to identify nine priority crime areas, including machinery theft, livestock worrying and theft, illegal hunting and poaching, and offences against protected species such as badgers, bats, and birds of prey. 

These crimes strike at the heart of rural life, undermining the economic and social security and stability of those who live and work there. 

So far this year rural policing teams have recovered more than £12.7million worth of stolen machinery, including £825,500 worth recovered from overseas, leading to 155 arrests. 

Increasingly these crimes are carried out by organised criminal gangs, bringing a level of sophistication and menace that demands a robust and coordinated response. 

This financial year, the Home Office is providing the first funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit of £365,000, as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit of £450,000, NPCC said. 

The government is also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft Act (Prevention) Act 2023 and will introduce requirements for new all-terrain vehicles and GPS units to be properly marked and registered on a secure database, giving police a vital tool to return stolen equipment to victims. 

‘Delivery is key’

The launch of the strategy has been welcomed by those impacted by rural and wildlife crime. 

NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said: “Farmers and rural communities will welcome the Rural Crime Strategy as recognition of the serious and organised nature of rural crime. For too long, criminal gangs have exploited the countryside, targeting machinery, livestock and land with devastating impacts on businesses and families. 

“The NFU has consistently called for a cross‑departmental rural crime taskforce, sustained funding for the National Rural Crime Unit and stronger legislation to protect farmers from theft, hare coursing and livestock worrying. It is positive to see government and police leaders acknowledging the complexities of rural crime and committing to intelligence‑led policing, new technology and national training. 

 “But delivery is key: farmers need visible policing, swift recovery of stolen equipment and sentencing that deters repeat offenders. A holistic, joined-up approach will make this effective, and we will continue to work with the Home Office, Defra and police forces to ensure this strategy translates into real protection for those who live and work in the countryside.” 

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