More than 20 NFU Huddersfield members met Superintendent Andy Huddleston, Head of the National Rural Crime Unit alongside representatives from West Yorkshire Police and NFU Mutual to discuss the issues having an impact on their farms and food production.
Key issues discussed included livestock worrying, vehicle and machinery theft, fly-tipping, wildfires and trespassing all of which continue to blight farms and the rural landscape.
NFU member and mixed farmer Elizabeth Elliott, who farms near Huddersfield and has experienced fly-tipping on her land said: “It was a really useful meeting, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from the police about the work they’re doing.
“Rural crime remains a persistent challenge for farmers, so it’s important that we keep working together to find practical solutions, alongside securing the funding needed to properly tackle the issue.”
Superintendent Huddleston said the meeting was a valuable opportunity to engage with NFU members. He said: “I thought it was very useful to hear first-hand from the local farming community about the issues they are facing.
“Collaboration between policing teams, farmers and partner organisations is essential, and by working together we can help improve safety and resilience in rural areas.”
Yorkshire West Riding County Chair Richard Pears said: “Rural crime remains a significant concern for farmers, affecting businesses as well as confidence and wellbeing.
“It was positive to meet with Andy Huddleston and West Yorkshire Police to share our concerns and discuss how we can work together to tackle these issues.
“We will continue to engage with the National Rural Crime Unit and police to ensure farmers’ views are represented and progress continues.”
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