NFU welcome Surrey Police pledge to discuss rural crime with all members
It follows a 25% increase in the costs of rural crime across the South East in 2022
The National Farmers Union (NFU) have welcomed a pledge to discuss rural crime with all their members in Surrey.
Surrey Police Inspector Darren Benge made the promise in March amid a rise in rural crime, and the costs of it, across the county.
NFU Mutual figures showed the costs of rural crime in the South East rose by 24.1% in 2022.
The NFU are now calling for a clear plan to tackle a rise in rural crime across Surrey.
Redhill farmer Andrew Compton, who also chairs the town's NFU branch, told Greatest Hits Radio that three ewes and vehicles had been stolen in the last six months.
He'd also reported issues with fly-tipping.
"I think the police are sympathetic, and they do what they can do, but with limited resources, there's a finite amount they can do."
"That's where the frustration comes in as people on the ground."
Mr Compton said Surrey Police's pledge was reassuring, and welcomed "the opportunity for more dialogue."
He also hoped for more cooperation between police forces across the South East.
"Where we live, we're on the fringes of East Sussex and Kent, so we might be busy in one area, but police in another area of the South East could maybe attend various incidents."