Rural crime app helps hundreds of farmers
Photo: Unsplash/Jamie Street
A new rural policing app launched earlier this year has helped hundreds of farmers who have been targeted by criminals in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The EyesOn app was introduced in March by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, to help people working in rural and wildlife-related businesses receive policing updates and report crime, anti-social behaviour and suspicious activity.
Since the launch, 500 members have signed up with almost 200 cases of rural crime across the two counties being reported on the app.
First to adopt
Hampshire has been the first police force in the UK to adopt the app but the ambition is to introduce EyesOn Rural in every rural county across the UK, with support from the National Farmers’ Union and discussions already taking place with several other forces.
National Farmers’ Union Hampshire and Isle of Wight County Adviser Tom Peters is one of many members who has seen firsthand how the real time app alerts give rural communities instant alerts to suspicious vehicles, activity and recent crimes
He said: “County farmers and those in rural communities continue to be victims of rural crime, which hampers food production, causes business disruption and great worry so the results being seen by this app are very welcome.
“Behind every rural crime statistic is a farmer, a family and a livelihood under strain.
“Hampshire and Isle of Wight farmers face equipment and machinery theft throughout the year and are up against a host of other issues including hare coursing, fly-tipping and many others - much of this is serious and organised.
Lasting emotional toll
“Rural crime is more than just a financial burden – it leaves a lasting emotional toll on those farming families affected and the countryside of which we are so proud.
“Collaboration is key to tackling these crimes effectively and the NFU and its members are working closely with the police to do all we can to help reduce the fear of crime and prevent thefts from our farms.
“The NFU has consistently called for stronger legislation to protect farmers and rural communities including those across trhe region with notable success most recently changes in legislation on livestock worrying, hare coursing and on machinery theft.
“Anything that helps the police crack down on the issue is good to see and we hope it can be rolled out further.”
More effective policing
The app has been funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, who explained that reporting rural crime had not always been straightforward.
She said: “The processing of crime reports by the digital app allows for more effective frontline policing in our countryside.
“Since I launched the app earlier this year, EyesOn has already helped to make rural areas across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight safer places to live and work.”
The platform has published 215 news articles and alerts since its launch, covering rural policing, crime prevention advice, positive news and updates from community partners.
The app also provides a dedicated reporting process for rural crime, with reports sent directly to police contact management teams for assessment and allocation.
Members’ details are already recorded, meaning they do not have to enter their personal information each time they report an incident.
Police are now looking to increase membership to reach more rural communities.