PCC responds to rural crime report
PCC Giles Orpen-Smellie is urging Norfolk residents to share their views on rural crime through his Police and Crime Plan consultation as a national report published today highlights the impact of rural crime during 2020.
The report by insurer NFU Mutual shows rural theft cost the UK an estimated £43.3 million in 2020 - an decrease of 20% on the previous year.
“As a new PCC in a rural county, the impact of rural crime on Norfolk’s communities and the challenges it poses for our policing service are very much on my radar. This NFU report focuses on the cost of rural crime specifically but also highlights the range of criminal activity that can fall under the ‘rural crime’ umbrella and, importantly, the psychological and emotional impact on its victims.
"These latest NFU figures show a 20% reduction in the cost of rural crime in the eastern region last year. Viewed alongside a decrease in Norfolk last year as well, that paints an encouraging picture.
"In Norfolk, our police work closely with rural communities in order to share information, deter criminals and prevent crime and this, I believe, will have played its part. But we must also acknowledge that 2020 was a very different year for everyone and Covid lockdowns and restrictions on movement will no doubt have also been a factor. I’ll be very keen to see what happens over the months and year to come as we move back towards more ‘normal’ life.
"I know there will be many Norfolk residents who will have felt the impact of rural crime. Having recently launched my Police and Crime Plan consultation, I’m keen to hear from them on my proposed policing and crime priorities for Norfolk and, based on their experiences or concerns, what else they would like to see included in my Police and Crime Plan.
My consultation is running until 20 August, so please take the time to complete my survey online or catch me on one of my visits around the county to share your thoughts.”