Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Rural Crime

Monday 31 March 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Crime rates in rural areas have surged by 32% since 2011, compared to 24% in urban areas.
  • Minister held a rural crime roundtable in North Yorkshire to discuss crime issues faced by local residents and farmers.
  • Minister offered to review legislation concerning the use of catapults in rural and urban settings to protect wildlife.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
Crime & Law Enforcement Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)

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.

Answered
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Q2 Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich
Crime & Law Enforcement
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to a specific timeline or action regarding reviewing the relevant legislation.

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