Leicestershire Police reassure Rutland farming community in rural crime prevention day
There were plenty of officers on hand to offer advice to Rutland's farmers
Members of Rutland's rural and farming community were in attendance at Alma Bank Farm today, where Leicestershire Police were holding a rural crime prevention event.
There were a number of stands set up showcasing new and innovative solutions to deter rural crime, but plenty of officers on hand to offer advice and speak with anyone who had any concerns or questions on the matter.
Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said it's important for people in Rutland to know they have a local and rural policing team they can rely on:
'Crime is a real problem in rural areas, particularly in agricultural settings. We've got officers right across the county that are trained in rural crime.'
'(Rural crimes) are real problems with thefts from farms, burglaries in rural villages, so getting the rural crime team together; putting them out into the communities are really positive ways to engage with people living in rural areas and letting them know the support that's available from the police.'
PC Rob Cross says his force have already made inroads with tackling some forms of rural crime:
'Quad bikes, ATVs, small plant and agricultural kit, trailers, they were being taken but we've done a lot of work, identified those responsible, started to enforce and get some prosecutions, and we hope that's sent a message back to that criminal fraternity, and the crime pattern now looks a lot healthier than it did three or four months ago.'