The Rural Services Network has welcomed the launch of a website to tackle countryside crime.

Rural communities are being encouraged to add their experiences to the National Rural Crime Network website.

The National Rural Crime Network involves 29 Police and Crime Commissioners and their Police Forces across England and Wales [2].

It was set up to promote a better understanding and ensure the effective sharing of best practice in relation to dealing with rural crime and anti-social behaviour.

The website aims to help the public, police, community safety practitioners and others to share information that can be used to develop policy and best practice against rural crime.

The formation of the National Rural Crime Network was originally conceived by the Rural Services Network, which acts as a secretariat to National Rural Crime Network members.

Rural Services Network chief executive Graham Biggs MBE said: "Crime is a persistent problem in many rural communities and we believe this website will help bring people together to combat it."

Other major national rural stakeholder organisations are also involved in the National Rural Crime Network.

These organisations include the Country Land and Business Association, National Farmers Union and the Farmers Union of Wales.

Other major supporters incude NFU Mutual, Historic England, Crimestoppers, Neighbourhood Watch, National Community Safety Network, National Gamekeepers Organisation and the Countryside Alliance.