A NEW policing strategy aims to ensure a fair share of resources will combat rural crime in Suffolk.

A rural county covering 1500 square miles, Suffolk has over 60 miles of coastline and some designated areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The strategy recognises that the impact of crime can be higher in rural communities, and people in remote areas may feel particularly vulnerable because of their isolation.

It also supports Suffolk's police priorities to protect vulnerable people, focus on prevention and early intervention, cut crime and support the rural economy.

    See also: Commissioners step up rural crime fight

Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore emphasised that the county was a safe place to live and work.

But he warned: "I believe the impact of crime is often greater on victims in the countryside due to their remote and isolated locations, making them feel more vulnerable and concerned.

Mr Passmore added: "I'm fully committed to ensuring people and businesses in our market towns and villages receive their fair share of our county's policing resources.

"This new rural policing strategy helps deliver my Police and Crime Plan policies for rural Suffolk to continue to keeping us safe and I'm very pleased to fully support this fresh approach."

As vice chairman of the National Rural Crime Network, Mr Passmore said he was working with other police and crime commissioners to highlight the challenges of rural crime.

And he pledged: "I will continue to do everything possible to ensure policing meets the needs of our rural communities."

Suffolk assistant chief constable Rachel Kearton said she recognised the importance of rural policing was commited to dealing with crimes that affected local communities.

"We appreciate that policing rural areas does present a number of challenges and that we need to work with partners, residents and businesses to keep people safe and property is protected.

"The strategy details the prevention, intelligence, enforcement and reassurance measures we will take to reduce crime, and the specialist resources that are being used to tackle it."

Suffolk police specialists include two experts in rural crime, supported by a team of crime reduction and partnership co-ordinators in each of the three policing commands.

Each of 14 rural safer neighbourhood teams will also have a designated specialist able to respond to rural crime and wildlife matters.

The constabulary is supported by volunteers, on initiatives such as Community Speedwatch to make rural roads safer, and a team of special constables experienced in rural crime.

These specials also support engagement events across the county's rural locations to promote community safety and crime reduction initiatives.