The National Rural Crime Network have given their view on the Home Office announcement on police officer numbers for England and Wales.

Julia Mulligan, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network and North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:

“Any additional police officers are welcome and sorely needed to ensure a more visible presence on our streets. However, what the allocation of these additional officers shows, once again, is the huge problem with the grant funding formula.

“It disproportionately hits rural areas who are facing serious crime and anti-social behaviour challenges such as county lines drug dealing, but are also especially vulnerable because of their isolation. It’s not fair and it has to change.

“Rural Britain deserves its proper share of resources, and that includes a proportional number of additional police officers to keep communities safe and feeling safe. The National Rural Crime Network will continue to make this case, but we need action from government – and soon.”