Cross-border rural crime clampdown launched

Crimestoppers has launched a campaign in partnership with six police forces in northern England to tackle cross-border rural crime.

As part of the new initiative, Cumbria, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Cleveland and Durham police forces will share intelligence and carry out joint operations.

The campaign’s key goals include increasing public awareness, encouraging community reporting, and providing practical tips for crime prevention.

See also: Rural crime more sophisticated than ever, report finds

Rural crime is particularly harmful, not just financially – costing an estimated £52.8m in 2024, according to NFU Mutual – but also emotionally for farmers and people living in the countryside.

There are four themes for this campaign, covering the theft of quad bikes and farm machinery, the theft of livestock, burglary and poaching.

A spokesperson for Crimestoppers said: “A quad bike stolen in Cumbria may be transported to the North East and then be sold on and end up in West Yorkshire.

“Sheep can be taken from a farm in North Yorkshire and end up in Lancashire – criminals may travel across these areas to carry out burglaries or thefts from rural properties.”

The campaign seeks to strengthen community efforts to reduce rural crime by building public trust and improving the flow of critical intelligence between residents and law enforcement.

Farmers and rural dwellers are being urged to be more effective at targeting their resources (see panel) and report suspicious activity and all crimes – no matter how big or small.

Reports can be made anonymously via Crimestoppers’ online form or by calling 0800 555 111, while emergencies should always be reported to 999.