Kit Malthouse calls for tougher action on rural crime

Mr Malthouse met the Countryside Alliance and National Rural Crime Network in Parliament on Tuesday, September 8, during National Rural Crime Action Week.

They discussed the challenges facing rural communities and efforts to tackle countryside crime nationwide.

Mr Malthouse said it was important to hear directly from people tackling rural crime.

He said: “It was good to hear directly from the Countryside Alliance and National Rural Crime Network about the work being done on the front line to keep our rural communities safe.

“In NW Hants, farm machinery theft, poaching, hare coursing and the intimidation and violence that often come with organised rural crime are still far too common.

“People living and working in the countryside deserve to feel safe. We need targeted policing, strong deterrents and tough punishments to stamp out these crimes and make clear that our rural communities are not an easy target.

“Along with our Police and Crime Commissioner and local police chiefs, we are making progress.”

Rural crime continues to hit Hampshire residents and businesses, with machinery theft, poaching and hare coursing damaging farming communities.

National Rural Crime Action Week raises awareness of rural crime and the work by police, community groups and specialist organisations to prevent it.

Mr Malthouse said the meeting showed why the Government, police and rural groups must keep working together to protect countryside communities.

He added that keeping people in rural areas safe remains a key priority.