The Farnham Herald reports on new analysis by the Country Land and Business Association that found police forces are failing to recognise the severity of rural crime.

Fly-tipping, machinery or livestock theft, hare coursing and vandalism of farm infrastructure­ is estimated to cost the economy £44.5 million per year. The research examined 38 rural police forces across England and Wales, and demonstrated that 37 per cent lack a dedicated rural crime strategy, 39 per cent do not have a rural crime team and only 28 per cent give rural crime training to new recruits. Country Land and Business Association president Tim Breitmeyer said: ‘That a third of rural police forces do not have a dedicated strategy or team to deal with rural crime is quite simply astounding – especially when one considers the huge financial and emotional impact it has on those who live or work in the countryside.’

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→ Farnham Herald - Report highlights lack of strategies over rural crime