Somerset farmers fear rural crime surge over police cuts

Farmers in Somerset fear a shrinking of police resources in the countryside will leave them more vulnerable to rural crime this summer.

Avon and Somerset Police Force has confirmed it has temporarily redeployed four officers from its Rural Crime Team to support and safeguard victims of domestic abuse.

The decision leaves an inspector with only one police community support officer (PCSO) devoted exclusively to tackling rural crime across the force’s total area, which spans 1,847 sq miles covering Bristol, Somerset and south Gloucestershire.

See also: FOI requests reveal ‘crisis’ in rural policing

One Somerset farmer, who did not want to be named, said: “Avon and Somerset is one of the largest forces by area in England and Wales, and rural crime is getting worse here.

“Across Exmoor, thieves are targeting trailers and smaller items, such as tools. We also have issues with illegal deer poaching and tractors being stolen, especially in south Somerset.

“Farmers are worried that if the police are not watching the thieves, they will commit more crime in the countryside. We feel our interests are being sidelined in favour of urban crime.”

Under review

Avon and Somerset Police said the end date of the redeployment will be kept under constant review, and is hoping it will finish by the end of the summer, but it could be sooner.

Chief superintendent Liz Hughes said: “This was not a decision I’ve taken lightly, but we must deploy our resources to meet demand and where the threat, harm and risk is highest.

“I’d like to reassure the public this is only a temporary deployment and we will continue to support and protect our rural communities throughout. The way we respond to 999 calls relating to rural crime will not be impacted.

“In addition, officers from our Neighbourhood Policing teams will also assisting the remaining Rural Crime Team, comprising of an inspector and a PCSO, with ongoing enquiries during this period.”

Latest figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual showed rural thefts across the South West cost £5m in 2023, up 16.6% on the previous year.