At the National Rural Crime Network conference in York, police and crime commissioners and deputies from across England make a united case: rural crime matters, rural communities matter, and rural policing must not be left behind.
This PolicingTV highlights piece captures strong messages from across the event, including calls for a fairer police funding formula, concern that police reform could drain resources away from the countryside, and warnings that “mega forces” could leave isolated communities even more vulnerable. With the policing minister in attendance, speakers press the case for proper investment, collaboration and a much stronger rural voice in national policing policy.
Key Takeaways
- Rural leaders say crime in the countryside is still under-prioritised nationally.
- Several speakers argue rural forces are unfairly funded compared with urban areas.
- They warn police reform could pull resources even further away from rural communities.
- There is strong opposition to “mega forces” and large-scale force mergers.
- Speakers stress that rural crime is not just farm crime but includes violence, shoplifting and vulnerability.
- Isolation and distance can make the impact of crime worse in rural areas.
- Better technology, prevention and multi-agency collaboration are seen as essential.
- The message to government is clear: support rural policing properly or risk leaving communities behind.
Chapters
00:00 – Why rural crime must be taken seriously
00:36 – A call for fairer rural funding
01:12 – What police reform could mean for the countryside
02:24 – Wiltshire’s case: the cost of underfunding
03:06 – Rural crime and private sector collaboration
03:47 – Support from the policing minister
04:48 – Rural voices warning against reform by neglect
05:46 – Why “mega forces” worry rural leaders
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