North Yorkshire Police’s rural taskforce has said it will spearhead a “major clampdown” on rural crime next week.
The taskforce is increasing its activity as part of National Rural Crime Action Week, which takes place next week from September 18-23, 2023.
Insp Mark Earnshaw of North Yorkshire Police’s rural taskforce said: “We aim to ensure the North Yorkshire countryside remains a hostile environment for criminals.
“That work involves intelligence-led operations and proactive patrols – but also building strong partnerships, including with Watch scheme volunteers, technology and security companies, rural businesses, and residents themselves.
“Policing our rural communities happens day-in, day-out, but Rural Crime Action Week is an opportunity to raise the profile of rural crime nationally, and send a clear message that it will not be tolerated in our area.”
Rural crime
North Yorkshire Police’s rural taskforce said rural crime is classified as any criminal activity that predominantly impacts on rural communities and business, such as machinery and agricultural theft, livestock theft, livestock worrying and wildlife crime.
It also defined it as criminal activity that can take place anywhere, but requires a unique approach due to specific issues associated with rural communities, such as isolation or a lack of access to services.
Throughout the National Rural Crime Action Week, the taskforce said its officers will attend auction marts in Craven, Northallerton and York to speak to farmers and other attendees, and will also be at the Stokesley Show and Nidderdale Show.
“In addition to engaging with local communities, specialist police teams will also carry out proactive enforcement activity at undisclosed locations throughout the week, focusing particularly on tackling poaching, quad bike theft and rural burglary offences,” it said.
“The Rural Task Force will also take to social media, sharing important crime prevention advice aimed specifically at rural residents and businesses.”
