A crack team of volunteer horse enthusiasts are set to join the fight against rural crime in a pilot scheme launched in eastern England.

The Rural Rangers scheme is part of our Lincolnshire Horse Watch initiatives and will run across the whole county.

Horse riders are ideally placed as they go about their day to day riding activities to have an informed understanding of their local community.

‘Safeguarding communities’

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire Marc Jones is among those supporting the scheme.

“A crucial element of my work is to encourage partners to work together to help keep our residents safe,” he said.

“This scheme is an excellent way to give people an opportunity, and the necessary training and tools, to safeguard their own communities.

They will be extra eyes and ears and will be able to look out for everything from fly-tipping to suspicious behaviours.

“I am delighted to be able to support the scheme and am confident this is a very worthwhile investment.”

Membership of the Rural Rangers Scheme is for horse owners who will undertake normal riding activities whilst at the same time being mindful of their participation in the scheme.

They will ride their privately owned horses and will not be expected to ride in areas that they are not familiar with or for which the horse is unsuited.

Their main responsibilities will include looking out for signs of criminal activity, antisocial behaviour and other issues of concern whilst on their regular hacks.

The riders will also provide the police and relevant agencies with regular information and updates.

To apply to join the Rural Rangers contact Lincolnshire Horse Watch Manager Gill Finn via email giving your name, address, and contact details on: [email protected].