Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced a significant increase in reports of agricultural crime in Derbyshire, with police figures showing a 45% rise in the past year. A constituent's farm was broken into and high-value equipment stolen.
In Derbyshire we have seen a significant increase in reports of agricultural crime; police figures show a 45% increase in the past 12 months. Earlier this year one of my constituents, Jane Bassett, had her farm broken into and a significant amount of specialised equipment was stolen. Such attacks can be traumatic for victims due to how isolated many farms are, and farms are targets for criminals due to their high-value equipment. What steps are being taken to ensure that those who target our hard-working farmers and their equipment and machinery are successfully prosecuted?
I am sorry to hear about the terrible experience of my hon. Friend’s constituent, and I recognise the significant impact that the theft of equipment has on farmers, both financially and on their wellbeing. The Government recently announced an £800,000 funding boost for the national rural crime unit and national wildlife crime unit. Those dedicated police units will increase collaboration across police forces, and harness the latest technology and data to target the serious organised crime groups that are involved in farm equipment theft.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided funding details but did not specify how it would directly lead to higher prosecution rates for rural crimes involving farm theft.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP conducted a survey among farmers in his constituency, who reported that over a third of rural crimes were not reported due to perceived ineffectiveness. The issue was raised regarding police call centres lacking understanding of rural issues.
Earlier this year I carried out a survey among farmers in my constituency, who said that they did not bother to report over a third of rural crimes because they felt that not enough happened when they did so. I would not say that nothing has been done, because we now have a specialist rural crime unit across Sussex, but there is an issue with police call centres and staff who do not appear to understand rural issues. Will the Solicitor General look at improving training at call centres in my constituency and across the country?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that important issue. I will certainly pick up the issue of police response with Home Office colleagues. The Government are committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023, which aims to prevent the theft and resale of high-value equipment, particularly for use in an agricultural setting.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided details about new acts but did not commit to improving training specifically at call centres.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pointed out that modern rural crime often involves organised crime such as county lines, which is cross-jurisdictional in nature.
As my right hon. Friend says, these days rural crime is often organised crime. A lot of that is county lines, which by its nature is cross-jurisdictional and involves different parts of the CPS and different police forces. What is she doing to ensure co-ordination to tackle those types of offences, because as far as criminals are concerned, this is a national enterprise?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point about county lines. The CPS has significantly increased its provision of early advice for county lines cases, working with law enforcement to ensure that all cases are as strong as possible. The CPS has prosecution guidance on county lines, which provides an overview of the approach to be taken in criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as practical advice on decision making in gang-related offences and on building the strongest possible case.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided details about CPS measures but did not commit to cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that rural and farm crimes in his constituency often cross the border into Scotland.
Rural and farm crime is a big problem in my constituency in the Scottish Borders which operates across the border between Scotland and England. What discussions has the Solicitor General had with authorities in Scotland to ensure higher prosecution rates for those operating cross-border?
I set out some of the measures that this Government are taking to tackle rural crime, but I am happy to take up that issue with the Secretary of State for Scotland to see what more cross-border work can be done.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer provided general measures and willingness to discuss rather than specific actions or commitments.
Response accuracy