Your Essex county NFU update

An innovative crime reduction initiative is helping to protect some of Essex’s most vulnerable rural areas.

Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team has used money seized from criminals to buy solar-powered trail cameras which they are placing in rural crime hotspots to identify and deter crimes such as hare coursing, fly tipping and the theft of plant and machinery.

PC Luke Jones says tactical deployment of the cameras can aid investigations, deter criminals and make victims feel safer, providing valuable reassurance and support.

“Trail cameras are relatively cheap and easy to put up and, of course, they can monitor the area day and night,” says Luke, a rural engagement officer.

“The footage is clear, which will help us to identify suspects, vehicles and even index plates – it’s good enough to be used as evidence.

“But they also provide us with valuable intelligence which can help us with problem solving and appropriate crime prevention advice.”

Under the banner of Operation Around, trail cameras are deployed based on crime pattern analysis, recent incidents and intelligence linked to crime hotspots, and for varying lengths of time depending on the issue.

“Having identified a problem where we think the cameras will be helpful, we speak with the landowner, provide crime prevention advice and offer to put up cameras,” says Luke.

“Each deployment includes clear signage to meet legal requirements, making it visible that surveillance is in operation. We have found that the signs are as much of a deterrent as the cameras themselves.  

“While the primary purpose is to gather evidence and deter crime, they have also proved their value in capturing footage of rare and vulnerable wildlife, helping landowners to better understand conservation needs on their property.”

Results to date have been excellent, says Luke, with farmers and landowners consistently reporting increased reassurance. Surveys completed after each deployment show high satisfaction, with several stating that knowing the cameras are present has already changed behaviour on their land.

Luke says: “These cameras provide farmers, landowners and victims in isolated rural locations with another layer of protection.”

Members are being urged to be on their guard after reports of rogue traders operating in the Tendring district and surrounding areas. 

Individuals are reportedly approaching farms offering to lay small sections of tarmac to fill potholes. Following completion of the work, they are allegedly charging excessive amounts. 

When the cost is challenged, they have become difficult and abusive, in some cases making threats relating to fights or damage to property.

Those targeted include a farmer in Horsley Cross and another incident involving a farm in Great Horkesley. 

 What to do

• Do not engage with unsolicited traders. 
• Do not agree to work being carried out on the spot. 
• Use only reputable, local contractors. 
• If someone is present on your property and you feel there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 999. 
• If threats are made over the telephone and there is no immediate danger, report the matter online so it can be allocated to an officer for investigation. 

Members should be aware of a white Iveco tipper vehicle, registration ending in FXB, which may be linked to these incidents. 

Most farms now have CCTV installed. If you obtain any information relating to vehicles, names, or telephone numbers connected to these individuals, please retain this and report to the police.