FARMERS, equestrians, anglers, landowners, and representatives from rural organisations have joined Surrey’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner at two landmark meetings this month.
Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police’s Rural Crime Tactical Lead, Chief Inspector Chris Tinney, hosted two Rural Crime Forum events for rural communities during September.
The first, a public meeting in Busbridge, Waverley, drew in around 50 attendees who were invited to discuss issues of concern.
Poaching, unauthorised encampments, recent arrests, anti-social behaviour and police’s relationships with the community were among the topics raised during the evening.
Landmark meetings
Attendees were then invited to chat to PCs and PCSOs from Waverley and Guildford who had attended to support the event.
A week later, Ellie and Ch Insp Tinney invited partners from the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), the National Trust, the Environment Agency and the British Association for Shooting and Conservancy (BASC) to discuss the matters raised.
Further forum events are planned, and Ch Insp Tinney said he will remain focused on policing rural issues including poaching, reducing anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crime, and waste crime, including large-scale flytipping.
The Deputy Commissioner, who leads on rural crime for the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I understand the challenges our rural communities face and how impactful crime can be.
“Under-reported”
“Rural crime can be complex, is not always well-understood, and can often go under-reported.
“I often visit rural communities through my work, and it is of key importance to me that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say.
“This is why I have established Surrey’s Rural Crime Forum.
“During the public meeting, members of these communities told me about the issues that concern them most, and I am grateful to all those who took the time to join us on the evening.
Problem-solving
“These issues were then discussed at the partner meeting that took place at Mount Browne the following week.
“This second meeting enables better co-operation with partners to help us problem-solve together, and ultimately improve lives in our rural communities.
“I hope these meetings will reassure residents that Surrey Police takes rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter.
“I look forward to providing further updates in the coming months.”
Read more about Ellie’s work:
- “Your reports matter”: Deputy Commissioner launches Rural Crime Forum with Surrey Police
- “It can hugely profit the criminal gangs who cause so much misery”: Deputy Commissioner warns of “extremely dangerous” consequences of rural crime
- Deputy Commissioner’s dog-walking plea as lambs are seriously hurt in “appalling” attack
- Deputy Commissioner says catapults must be treated similarly to knives in letter to ministers