Reassurance for rural communities as PCC joins crime network

PCC Lorne Green gave a speech to the Norfolk Rural Support Network today, ahead of attending his first meeting as a member of the National Rural Crime Network later this month.

During his election campaign, Lorne met with residents across Norfolk who highlighted a variety of problems, from fly-tipping to vehicles speeding on country lanes. He vowed that, on election, he would join other PCCs around the country in signing up to the National Rural Crime Network and championing a better understanding of crime in rural areas.

In his speech to the Norfolk network, he offered reassurance to communities, saying he wants greater recognition of the impact of rural crime so more can be done to keep people safe.

"Rural communities pay the same taxes as everyone else", he said. "They want to know that the police and other emergency services are there for them too. The police work hard to respond, but too often the perpetrators are long gone before the crime even becomes apparent.

"The cost of crime to rural communities is £800 million - equivalent to £200 for every household in the countryside. Rural crime and policing matters, and that's why one of my first decisions as PCC has been to join the National Rural Crime Network; I'll be meeting with the other members at the AGM later this month."

The PCC also encouraged Norfolk's rural communities to make their voices heard by taking part in his crime and policing consultation.

"Earlier this month I launched an eight-week public consultation, through which I want to capture the policing and crime concerns of as many people as possible. This will inform my Police and Crime Plan, which will be published in September, setting my overall priorities for the next four years.

"It is important that people in our rural communities have their say and the opportunity to influence my priorities. I am committed to working with the police, partners and communities to develop a rural crime strategy for Norfolk."

The PCC's public consultation will close on 12 August. You can take the survey here.