New Rural Crime reporting service launched

The NFU has today launched a new service enabling farmers and the public to give information anonymously about rural crime, in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers.

The 'Rural Crime Reporting Line' is part of the NFU’s ongoing work to tackle the serious issues surrounding criminal behaviour on farms and in the wider countryside.

By ringing 0800 783 0137 or visiting www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk, farmers, rural businesses and the public can anonymously give information about crime relating to:

• large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
• hare coursing
• machinery theft; or
• livestock theft.

NFU deputy president Guy Smith said: “Rural crime can be devastating for farmers and their businesses and it is something that many experience all too often. With suspected links to organised crime, these crimes often go under-reported and its true extent remains unknown.

“The NFU has teamed up with the charity Crimestoppers to provide a service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about these crimes. With relevant information being passed to the police, this service could help to provide key leads in the pursuit of these criminals.”

“I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about these rural crimes to come forward and call the line - your information could be extremely valuable."

The NPA is a aware of a number of incidents of rural crime affecting members over the past year or so, including some very recently. "We support this initiative and urge anyone affected directly or with information that might be of use to use this service," NPA policy services manager Lizzie Wilson said.