North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force joins a nationwide push against rural crime next week, as National Rural Crime Action Week gets under way.
Run annually by the National Rural Crime Network, the campaign aims to raise the profile of rural crime nationally. This year’s week of action starts on 6 September, and in North Yorkshire and York it lands as the Rural Task Force — marking its tenth year in operation — steps up both operational work and community engagement across the region.
Throughout the week, the team will showcase its everyday work tackling rural crime, protecting farms and wildlife, disrupting organised criminal activity, and supporting communities across what’s regarded as one of the most rural policing areas in England, while also hearing directly from those who farm, own land, run rural businesses or simply live locally, to get a clearer picture of what’s worrying people and to encourage reporting of crime and suspicious activity.
Emotional consequences
Detective Chief Superintendent Nikki Shimwell, North Yorkshire Police’s Head of Crime and Operational Support, said: “Rural crime has a significant impact on the people who live and work in North Yorkshire and York. From machinery theft and fly-tipping to poaching, wildlife crime and livestock offences, these crimes can have serious financial and emotional consequences for victims.
“National Rural Crime Action Week is an opportunity to highlight these issues, showcase the extensive work being carried out to protect rural communities, and strengthen the partnerships that are essential to tackling crime in our countryside.”
The Rural Task Force will also have a public presence at two events during the week: Moorcock Show on Sunday 6 September, and Ruswarp Auction Mart on Wednesday 9 September, with further opportunities to meet the team likely to be announced via the force’s social media.
Police say every report from the public feeds into building a clearer intelligence picture, helping officers identify offenders and direct resources to where they’re needed most, and are urging residents to keep reporting crime and anything suspicious.
In a live emergency, always dial 999. For anything non-urgent, reports can go in online through the force’s own website, or over the phone on 101, and anonymous tip-offs can be shared with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
