How to tackle rural crime in the South West
Rural crime is big business and knows no bounds – or boundaries. Seen as low risk by criminals often working internationally, rural crime is rarely opportunistic these days. In this episode of Farming Focus™, host Peter Green is joined by criminologist Dr Kate Tudor alongside rural policing specialists to discuss what practical steps farmers can take to protect themselves.
A changing threat
After the pandemic rural crime shifted in both scale and nature. PCSO Mike Storey highlights a noticeable rise in machinery theft, driven in part by supply chain delays. “We’re not talking about your opportunist thieves here. They’re definitely organised,” he explains, pointing to long lead times for equipment which fuelled a strong second-hand market.
Dr Kate Tudor adds that both domestic and international groups are involved, with some exploiting global demand for machinery. “Organised crime has stepped in to service the demand,” she says, describing how equipment is moved across borders to supply black markets.
Despite this, there are positive signs. In Dorset, targeted efforts have led to a significant reduction in offences, with Sergeant Natalie Skinner reporting a 28% overall drop in rural crime in 2022/23, showing prevention and partnership working can make a difference.
Prevention starts on farm
It’s clear simple, practical measures can go a long way. From marking machinery to improving basic security, small changes can reduce risk.
Dr Tudor reinforces the importance of attention to detail. Recording serial numbers is valuable but noting “individual marks… a scratch on it” can help prove ownership and support recovery.
Behaviour also plays a role. Leaving keys in machinery or failing to lock equipment can create easy opportunities for criminals. While the pressures of farming are well understood, taking security seriously is essential.
PCSO Storey stresses prevention doesn’t need to be costly. “You don’t need a thousand pounds worth of CCTV necessarily,” he says, emphasising simply making a farm less attractive to offenders can be enough to deter them.
The power of working together
Collaboration sits at the heart of tackling rural crime. Watch schemes, regular communication and sharing information across police forces all prove effective.
“We encourage to report everything,” says PCSO Storey, with even small pieces of information leading to arrests and recovery of stolen goods.
For farmers, these networks also provide reassurance. Bringing people together helps reduce isolation and builds confidence, particularly when facing issues such as poaching or fly-tipping.
More than financial impact
The effects of rural crime go beyond the immediate loss of equipment. Dr Tudor describes the impact as “profound and varied”, affecting not only business operations but also family life and wellbeing.
From lost working time to anxiety within households, crime can undermine confidence across entire communities.
Building resilience for the future
Resilience is about more than security measures. It is about mindset, communication and community strength.
Sergeant Skinner reassures farmers “they’re not alone”, underlining the importance of connection between communities and local support networks.
Ultimately, deterring crime, slowing offenders and reporting concerns all play a part. By taking practical steps and working together, farmers can strengthen their businesses and help protect the wider rural community.
Episode showstoppers
1. Aim to deter criminals. Review your security, remembering simple acts such as closing the farm gate raises the barrier to entry, making your property less attractive.
2. Try to prevent crime by slowing criminals down – mark equipment, lock doors and gates, note serial numbers and take photos of identifying marks or features on mobile items.
3. Report anything unusual, use local networks and join a watch scheme.
Listen to the full episode below - also available via Spotify and Apple podcasts.
About our guests
Dr Kate Tudor is an associate professor in criminology at Durham University. Her research focuses on various aspects of crime, criminality and harm, including organised, rural and neighbourhood crime, working with police forces across the UK.
PCSO Mike Storey served with the Avon and Somerset Police Rural Crime Team and Sergeant Natalie Skinner is with the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team.
This episode was published in September 2023
