Rural Crime

Local farmers in North East Hampshire face theft, fly-tipping, and hare coursing, which is often linked to drug trafficking and gambling. These rural crimes are under-reported due to threats of retribution from criminals. Highlighted the impact of hare coursing in her constituency.

It has been a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Ms McVey. I thank all Members who have contributed to the debate; it is great to see such cross-party support and that all Members take rural crime especially seriously.

Emphasizes that fly-tipping is one of the biggest concerns for residents, local businesses, and farmers in Redditch. Mentions that 73% of respondents to the Countryside Alliance rural crime survey reported an increase in fly-tipping. Also addressed issues related to fly-tipping, echoing McKenna's points.

Suggested support for extending the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to include power tools and high-value equipment, requiring forensic markings and registration databases. Emphasized the devastating impact of rural crime, including theft and fly-tipping, which cost UK farmers over £50 million in 2022. He cited a survey showing that fly-tipping accounted for 37% of reported crimes. Acknowledged the work on the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act and discussed concerns about thefts around Chequers.

The constituency has suffered a series of break-ins targeting cigarettes in local shops and service stations, consistent with the perception that rural areas are soft targets for obtaining goods easily fenced elsewhere. Discussed theft cases, including quad bikes and chainsaws.

Rural communities in Scotland face challenges such as livestock theft, vandalism, break-ins at farmhouses, and equipment theft. These crimes are costing the UK £52.8 million in 023, with cattle, sheep, horses, tractors, trailers, quad bikes, and tools being stolen by sophisticated criminal gangs. Discussed fly-tipping as a result of councils closing tips and community services, highlighting that while illegal, residents may have no other option when faced with limited disposal options. Provided a Scottish perspective on cross-border work between Police Scotland and English police forces.

Focused on the problem of fly-tipping in Sittingbourne and Sheppey, which costs about £1.8 million annually. Described the issue as a massive environmental scourge that is often unrecognised by its name. Addressed concerns about fly-tipping with knowledge of the issue.

Discusses the need for a real strategy and resources to address rural crime, emphasizing the importance of neighbourhood policing and dedicated rural crime teams.

Asked whether casual littering should also be included in the discussion on fly-tipping as a societal scourge. Highlights that despite low crime rates in Suffolk, there is an increase in agricultural sector crimes such as fly-tipping, poaching, and domestic violence. Asks the Minister to reform the funding formula for rural constabularies, expand the National Rural Crime Unit's mandate, and invest in technology to deter and tackle rural crime. Discussed funding issues and the importance of technology like AI and drones in tackling rural crime.