Campaign to boost specialist squad to fight rural criminals

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for the Government to increase support to tackle rural crime, after it was revealed the National Rural Crime Unit has only two police officers at its disposal.

- BY JAYMI MCCANN

According to figures, the specialist unit designed to support police forces in combating crime in rural areas employs two police officers and six civilian staff members.

The National Wildlife Crime Unit, which provides intelligence and support to law enforcement, has five police officers and 13 civilian staff.

Experts says there is a disparity between resources allocated for urban units compared with rural ones.

The annual rural crime report for NFU Mutual, the National Farmers' Union's insurance arm, shows that although crime decreased in 2024, it still cost the nation an estimated £44.1million.

A UK-wide survey by the Countryside Alliance in 2024 showed that members of the public are losing faith in the policing of rural areas.

Some 96% of respondents saw crime as a significant issue in their area, with 45% saying the police do not take it seriously.