Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Crime rates in rural areas have surged, with a 32% increase since 2011 compared to 24% for urban areas. Theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and fuel is prevalent in Paul Davies' constituency.
Crime rates in rural areas have surged by 32% since 2011, compared with 24% for urban areas, with a total rise of almost 130 reported offences. Rural crime in my constituency includes theft of agricultural machinery, livestock and fuel. The area’s remote locations make it vulnerable to such crimes, which impact on local farmers and residents. What are the Government doing to ensure that rural crime gets the attention that it deserves?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that vital issue. Just last month I held a rural crime roundtable in North Yorkshire and met local residents and farmers to discuss this important topic. Last week, in recognition of the success of the national rural and wildlife crime units, I announced additional funding for both in the next financial year, so that they can continue to support the police in rural areas. We are also working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on the next iteration of the rural and wildlife crime strategy. Later this year we will implement the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and put the necessary secondary legislation in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Sir Roger Gale highlights a less recognized form of rural crime involving the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. He argues that current legislation and police powers are inadequate.
One of the less widely recognised rural crimes is the use of catapults to maim and kill wildlife. Those weapons are also used in urban settings. I know that the Home Office takes the view that the wildlife protection legislation and the police powers ought to be adequate to deal with that, but at the moment they patently are not. Will the Minister consider reviewing that and possibly amending the Crime and Policing Bill to take account of it?
I am always happy to review legislation and ensure that it is fit for purpose. I would be very happy to discuss that further with the right hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to a specific timeline or action regarding reviewing the relevant legislation.
Response accuracy