Devon and Cornwall Police tackle rural crime in initiative

The rural affairs team at Devon and Cornwall Police worked alongside partner agencies on a week of 'intensification', to help drive down rural crime. 

The week, which started on Wednesday, September 17, saw officers work with neighbourhood teams and other agencies to carry out patrols and raise awareness of rural crime. 

As part of the week long initiative, officers took part in the following: 

• They patrolled areas prone to illegal fishing as part of Operation Leviathan
• They engaged with farmers at Exeter Livestock Market, providing bespoke animal welfare and crime prevention advice
• They assisted Mid Devon District Council in relation to a large-scale fly-tipping incident
• They took part in multi-agency training alongside colleagues from Natural England, to share knowledge and best practice as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthen methods of collaborative working

Officers noting speed on the moors. (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police) Sgt Mike Blackwell-Brown of the Rural Affairs Team said: “Rural crime is something we tackle consistently throughout the year, and I am incredibly proud of the work the team have done - and will continue to do - to support our rural communities.

“We know that crimes can have a devastating impact on victims, particularly in rural areas where the thefts are often of machinery or vehicles that impact people’s livelihoods.

“Our Rural Affairs Team and colleagues in the wider policing family are committed to keeping our rural communities safe and we will continue to work closely with our partners to support people living in, working in and visiting rural areas of Devon and Cornwall.”

The teams also carried out a targeted speeding operation, after a number of recent collisions involving livestock. 

PC Julian Fry and the team used the opportunity to patrol busy car parks, engaging with members of the public to raise awareness about dog attacks on livestock and to install additional signage to reinforce the importance of keeping dogs on leads or under close control.

PC Fry added: “Allowing dogs to chase or attack livestock is a criminal offence. Attacks on livestock are a year-round issue and can have devastating consequences for the animals and farmers involved.

“If you’re walking your dog in the countryside, please take notice of signage; respect any wildlife or livestock around you and keep your dog on a lead or under close control at all times.”