Police respond to claims of 'serious organised crime' in rural areas

The police have responded to claims that a wave of 'serious and organised crime' has left a wildlife charity struggling to cope. The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which oversees the Idle Valley Nature Reserve in Retford, says the charity has been left "reeling" by major thefts of fencing, equipment and tools.

The trust's head of nature recovery (north), Janice Bradley MBE, said the situation with rural crime was "out of control". She said in a statement: "Whilst we are used to the frustrations of dealing with minor thefts, vandalism and antisocial behaviour such as fly-tipping, the situation in the Idle Valley Nature Reserve and surrounding areas is now out of control.

"In the past 18 months, we have had tens of thousands of pounds worth of items stolen, including a tractor and specialist fencing - and we’re aware that other neighbouring properties are being targeted too – with some significant recent thefts." This has led to the trust needing to dip into its coffers to cover replacement costs, affecting how much money can be spent on protecting wildlife.