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ENGAGING
ESSEX

Tackling Rural Crime in Essex

Nick Alston attended the Ernest Doe Agricultural Show in  Maldon on February 4, talking with farmers, other rural  business people and Essex Police Crime Prevention Officers about rural crime issues and roads safety.

Nick discusses farming issues with Philip and James Mugleston, farmers from Stapleford Tawney

Mr Alston says, “I would like to thank the organisers, Ernest Doe for inviting Essex Police to contribute to the event. I was delighted to speak with farmers and members of the rural community.

Nick greets agriculture students studying at Writtle College, Joe Howe (left) and Edward Banthorp (right)

“As the PCC, I’m committed to ensuring that rural and business crime and Roads safety are given due weight by Essex Police.  This was a great opportunity to hear the views of farmers first hand. I heard some good stories about Essex Police’s work in rural areas but also learned more about some continuing crime challenges.”

Members of the Essex Police Crime Prevention Team attended the event including Stephen Armson-Smith. He has some thoughts on how rural crime can be reduced further. “One key message to farmers would be to help by securing property and vehicles by using recognised agricultural trackers such as Datatags and Sold Secure.”

Nick Alston meeting with Colin Doe, managing director of Ernest Doe and organiser of the Show

To enable members of the rural community to share information quickly, there is a service called Farmwatch. Brenda Cross, an Essex Police Watch Liaison Officer helps run the scheme. “Farmwatch is run by email and anyone can join including farmers and local residents. At the moment, 2,000 Essex farmers are on the system, and we would welcome members of the public joining the scheme too; this would help to build even more intelligence on rural crime.”

Another problem affecting rural communities is hare coursing; an activity which involves chasing hares with greyhounds or similar breeds.

Nick meets Deborah Gray, a Partnership Officer for the Casualty Reduction Unit in Braintree

Mr Armson-Smith comments, “This type of activity, run for gambling, destroys crops causes criminal damage and can encourage criminality. It can be highly intimidating and greatly disrupt farmers’ lives.”

The PCC said, “Concerns about hare coursing have been raised at the regular rural crime forums that I hold. I am encouraging Essex Police to continue to work closely with farmers to tackle this issue.”

One of the key areas of focus in the Police and Crime Plan for Essex is improving road safety. Nick Alston added, “I was pleased to see the Road Traffic Officers from the Casualty Reduction Unit present at the Doe Show. It’s important that the police and communities work together to keep rural roads as safe as they can be.”

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CONTACT THE PFCC

PFCC for Essex, Kelvedon Park, London Road, Rivenhall, Witham, Essex, CM8 3HB
01245 291600

If your enquiry relates to operational policing or a crime please contact Essex Police

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