New project to look at impact of rural crime on farmers

The impact of rural crime in the UK and what it means for farmers is the focus of new research being conducted by Harper Adams University.

The work of dedicated rural crime teams - and the public’s confidence in them - will also be examined as part of the project.

Dr Kreseda Smith, a rural criminologist and member of the university's Rural Security Research Group, is asking farmers and rural businesses to share their experiences.

Dozens of dedicated police teams have been set up in recent years to deal specifically with incidences of crime in the countryside.

But Dr Smith said that previous research had indicated that levels of confidence among rural communities in the ability of the police to tackle rural crime were at a historic low.

“In light of the growing number of rural crime teams across the UK, I am exploring whether these dedicated rural crime teams instil increased levels of confidence in rural residents that crime will be appropriately and effectively addressed.”

The research will be presented and discussed in relation to future policy and practice implications for UK police forces – and used to re-examine both how these forces think about rural crime, and how they engage with rural communities.

Anyone who lives in a rural area and has been the target of a crime within the last year can take part – by filling out a short questionnaire online.