Annual report on rural crime 'shows how far we have come'

Tackling rural crime and supporting communities is firmly in the spotlight with the release of the Norfolk Rural Policing Strategy Annual Report.

The report has been released by PCC Lorne Green and Norfolk Police today which is National Rural Crime Day of Action. The day has also been marked by officers out and about in rural areas across Norfolk, working with communities to offer crime prevention advice and carrying out routine checks in the area.

Officers have been visiting local residents and businesses to provide information and support with a particular focus on heating oil thefts, as well as working with Trading Standards to carry out site visits following recent complaints about rogue traders.

Rural churches vulnerable to lead theft offences have also been visited and crime prevention advice provided, whilst officers from the Special Constabulary joined officers from the Community Safety Neighbourhood Policing Team and Rural Beat Managers to carry out visits at scrap yards, boat yards and rural businesses to offer advice, discuss any concerns and provide reassurance.

On the publication of the Rural Crime Strategy Annual Report, the PCC said: "When I was elected as PCC, people in Norfolk told me about their crime and policing concerns and what they felt they needed from the police to feel safer living and working in our rural areas. I pledged to take up their concerns and drive forward Norfolk’s approach to tackling rural crime.

“A key first step was to develop a Rural Policing Strategy for the county, and this annual report now shows just how far we have come in putting that strategy into practice, addressing public concerns and supporting our rural communities to be and feel safe.

“From improving police engagement and access to crime information and prevention advice, to working smarter with partners and using 21^st century technology to detect, prevent and disrupt criminality in our rural areas, I’m delighted with the progress that’s been made so far but we must not let up on our commitment.”

A copy of the Norfolk Rural Policing Strategy Annual Report can be found on the Norfolk Constabulary website here>>