Hare coursing, farm machinery and plant theft, environmental and heritage crime were among the topics delivered to response officers across the county by Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s (RCAT) Rural Crime Action Team.
Hosted at locations across the county, the programme was designed to give officers a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and improve their ability to respond effectively.
Delivered in partnership with the NFU, Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch, the Crown Prosecution Service and the National Rural Crime Unit, local farmers and rural businesses, the sessions combined operational knowledge with real-life insight from those working in the rural sector.
Hearing the impact of rural crime
Officers also heard directly from farmers about the day-to-day realities of running agricultural businesses, helping to build stronger relationships between policing and rural communities.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall, from RCAT, said: “Rural communities face unique crime issues which require a specialist understanding from police officers. This training ensures our frontline staff have the knowledge and confidence to recognise rural crime, engage effectively with farmers and landowners, and provide the best possible service to our rural communities.”
NFU County Adviser Rory Kerr outside Cambridgeshire Police headquarters
Strengthening rural policing
NFU Cambridgeshire County Adviser Rory Kerr said: Farmers and rural businesses are often victims of crimes that can have a significant financial and emotional impact.
“Providing officers with a greater understanding of agriculture, the pressures facing farmers and the realities of rural crime can only benefit our communities.
“The NFU was pleased to support this initiative and work alongside partners to help strengthen rural policing across Cambridgeshire.”
Matthew Seabrook, of Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch, said: “The countryside presents policing challenges that can be very different from those encountered in urban areas.
“Giving officers the opportunity to learn directly from those who live and work in rural communities helps build understanding, strengthen partnerships and ultimately improve the service provided to rural residents and businesses.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said it wanted to thank those involved, including local farmers Mathew Latta, William Stevenson, and Luke Palmer, and the host venues for their support in making the programme a success.