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Rural Crime
27 February 2025
Lead MP
Ben Maguire
North Cornwall
LD
Responding Minister
Dame Diana Johnson
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law EnforcementEconomyBrexit
Word Count: 12721
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Ben Maguire raised concerns about rural crime in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should reopen smaller police stations in rural areas to improve reporting and solving of crimes. The Act passed in July 2023 for deterring thefts of farm vehicles should be extended to cover GPS units, power tools, and high-value pieces of equipment, requiring forensic markings and registration databases.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The total cost of rural crime in 2023 was £52.8 million, an increase of 4.3% from the previous year. Farmers face issues like botched Brexit trade deals and family farm tax changes, exacerbating their struggles with organised criminal activity. Thefts of GPS units surged by 137%, costing £4.2 million, and livestock theft remained at a concerning £2.7 million. Small businesses and tradesmen have also been affected, with only 2% of stolen tools being returned to owners.
Alex Brewer
Con
North East Hampshire
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.
Ben Maguire
Con
North Cornwall
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.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
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.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
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.
Ian Roome
Con
North Devon
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.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
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.
Kevin McKenna
Lab
Sittingbourne and Sheppey
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.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Discusses the need for a real strategy and resources to address rural crime, emphasizing the importance of neighbourhood policing and dedicated rural crime teams.
Patrick Spencer
Con
Central Suffolk and North Ipswich
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.
Government Response
Dame Diana Johnson
The Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention
Government Response
Acknowledged the seriousness of rural crime and highlighted plans to tackle it through the Crime and Policing Bill, which includes statutory guidance on fly-tipping. Mentioned the importance of cross-border cooperation and community engagement in tackling rural crime. Emphasised commitment to restoring neighbourhood policing and implementing a new guarantee for 13,000 additional police officers. Beyond the commitment, in the 2025-26 police settlement we have committed to provide funding of up to £19.5 billion for the policing system in England and Wales, which is an overall increase of up to £1 billion compared to this financial year. In January 743 words omitted due to character limit.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.