Rural crime has fallen by 17% across Thames Valley region
The rural crime taskforce has recovered over £8 million worth of stolen goods
Figures show rural crime has dropped by 17% across the Thames Valley region in the last financial year.
In the rural districts of West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire, and Vale of White Horse, the decrease was 36% in the first quarter of this year compared to the same time last year.
Thames Valley Police launched a rural crime taskforce in March 2022, consisting of a dedicated team of officers and intelligence specialists.
They’ve recovered over £8 million worth of stolen goods, including £4 million in 2024 alone.
It includes 88 caravans, 441 motor vehicles, and 63 items of plant and machinery.
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber said: “I made tackling rural crime a priority when I was elected, and now Thames Valley has an outstanding Rural Crime Taskforce, which has conducted hundreds of investigations and provided invaluable crime prevention advice to rural residents.
“This concerted effort is clearly having an impact, leading to the downward trend in rural crime trend we are now witnessing thanks to our funding and our commitment to support farmers.”
Rural Crime Taskforce lead Inspector Stuart Hutchings said: “Working in partnership with our rural communities and stakeholders, the Rural Crime Taskforce is committed to creating a hostile environment for those who seek to offend in our countryside.
“Our focus on organised criminality has revealed how offenders will travel significant distances to target rural areas. Regardless of where they operate, we will pursue them relentlessly and work across borders to bring them to justice”.
Nathan Boyd, County Adviser for Berks, Bucks and Oxon for the NFU said: “The Rural Crime Taskforce has worked hard to reduce crime and rebuild the trust of farmers and the wider rural community. With dedicated staff, including the Rural Crime Adviser, there are now more contact points and greater accountability.
“This has given farmers confidence to report crimes, knowing there will be a response and follow-up. Ongoing support for rural neighbourhood teams and the taskforce will continue to strengthen security for farmers and rural communities alike.
“The NFU will continue to work with the police and others on the issues facing our members and push for additional and extended legislation to help protect family farms, livestock and machinery”.