Spreading the word about the importance of rural crime

Our dedicated Rural Task Force are hosting stands at various locations across North Yorkshire this week to mark the annual National Rural Crime Network (NRCU) week of action.

North Yorkshire is home to two national parks as well as many small villages and towns which fall within the vast open countryside. From the dales in the west, to the stunning Yorkshire coastline in the east, we are proud to police this rural area, but the sheer size of North Yorkshire brings its challenges, especially when it comes to the issue of rural crime.

Serious and organised criminal gangs often operate across borders to steal farming equipment and machinery, engage in violence and intimidation, and poach local wildlife. Our dedicated Rural Task Force work around the clock to tackle crime through proactive patrols and target hardening.

Made up of one Inspector, two sergeants, constables and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), they operate out of various bases across the force. Their mission is to deter the criminal gangs who target the countryside and keep farmers, businesses and the public protected from crime.

The team work hard to build strong relationships with farmers and other members of the rural community as information from the public is key to help understand where resource is needed. This week, the team’s officers and PCSOs have focused on various engagement sessions at venues where local farmers congregate to have conversations about issues such as plant and trailer theft, as well as offer free services such as property marking to ensure that valuable property is protected. 

(The Rural Task Force at Thirsk Auction Mart) 

Inspector Mark Earnshaw from North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Task Force said: “Like others on the team, I’m from a farming background myself, therefore we understand the misery that criminal gangs cause to hardworking farmers, gamekeepers and landowners, often leaving them feeling intimidated by their action.

“It’s great to see a national focus on rural crime this week, but for our dedicated team the issue remains the top priority all year round.

“We’re passionate about rural life as well as the area we serve. Week in week out we will continue to do all we can to make people who live and work in rural areas feel safe and bring the people who think it’s acceptable to target them to justice”.