Rural Crime Panel Convenes to Tackle Challenges Across Bedfordshire

The Police and Crime Commissioner convened the first meeting of the Rural Crime Panel, aimed at strengthening the fight against countryside crime across Bedfordshire. This means the PCC has now fulfilled his pledge to establish a Crime Advisory Panel as set out in his Police and Crime Plan.

This panel advises the PCC and through him the police on the issues which are specific to residents, businesses and visitors to rural areas. It also focuses on wildlife crime.

It comprises representatives from the NFU, parish councillors, Bedfordshire Rural Community Council and it is hoped soon representatives from local wildlife organisation.

The meeting was held on the last day of Rural Crime Awareness Week (8-12 September).

Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard said: 

“Wherever you live in our county you are entitled to the services of the police.

“Rural businesses, including farming businesses and residents are the victims of too many crimes.

“These crimes include hare coursing to stealing farm machinery to car meets to household burglaries to much more.

“I have established the advisory panel to ensure that I am aware of the issues and so we can work together with the police to find solutions, and to improve two-way communication with those living and working in the rural areas of our county.”

Freya Morgan, Chair of the National Farmers Union for Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire and a farmer in North Bedfordshire said: 

“I am very pleased to be a part of this new rural crime panel.

“Rural crime is a major issue for farmers in Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire and collaboration is vital for us to effectively tackle crimes like hare coursing, industrial scale fly-tipping, equipment theft and dog attacks on farm animals.

“These crimes seriously impact farmers’ ability to do their work feeding the nation and protecting the countryside. They have a big financial impact on farm businesses and the rural economy, damage the environment and are a major animal welfare issue.

“Working together is key to tackling rural crime.

“I look forward to representing the views and concerns of NFU members and the wider rural community in Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire and to ensure we can make positive progress in tackling rural crime.”

Cliff Andrews, CEO Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity said: 

“At Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, we have a good understanding of the challenges our rural communities face — including the fear and impacts of crime. We fully support the PCC’s Rural Crime Panel as a valuable tool to bring together voices from across the county, ensuring that rural crime is not just recognised, but actively addressed. Collaborative, partnership action is key to building safer, stronger rural communities.”

Councillor Harvey Greenwood, Police Liaison, Chalgrave Parish Council

“It was a privilege to attend the inaugural Rural Crime Advisory Group and to hear directly from the Police and Crime Commissioner and frontline officers. The opportunity to raise the concerns of local residents and to explore stronger collaboration between the police, partners, and communities is invaluable in tackling the challenges we face in rural Bedfordshire.”

Key areas of concern raised included continued challenges around machinery theft, fly-tipping, wildlife crime, and ensuring that rural victims feel supported and confident to report incidents.  

The potential for a joint Rural Crime Conference with the National Farmers Union was also welcomed by attendees, who agreed it would help raise awareness and build stronger networks for action.