THOSE who live and work in the Surrey countryside are invited to share their concerns on rural and wildlife crime at a new forum next month.
The first Rural Crime Forum, hosted by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson and Surrey Police leads, will take place in Busbridge, Godalming on Monday, September 15.
During the evening, members of the public will have the opportunity to talk to the team about the issues that most concern them.
Ellie, who is on the board of the National Rural Crime Network, holds the rural crime remit for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey.
Rural crime forum launches
She has recently written to the Home Secretary to call for legislation around catapult ownership and use to be tightened so police are able to take effective action.
Earlier this summer, Ellie also raised awareness of the dangers of livestock worrying by dogs, a key concern for farmers in Surrey, and she has previously warned of the links between organised criminality and thefts from farms.
She said: “Rural crime is not always well-understood, but it can have a grave impact on wider society.
“I often visit rural communities through my work, and I am aware that theft, anti-social behaviour, trespass, fly-tipping and livestock worrying are among the most serious concerns.
Have your say
“It is crucial that those who live and work in Surrey’s countryside are given the opportunity to have their say.
“I am often told that those impacted by rural crime feel there is little point in reporting. It is true that more must be done to tackle criminality impacting our countryside in Surrey.
“But I hope that this forum will reassure residents that we do take rural crime seriously, and that their reports matter.
“During the evening, those who attend will have the opportunity to speak to senior leaders from Surrey Police and hear more about the work that is going on in our countryside.
“Distressing”
“Being a victim of any crime can be hugely distressing and isolating, a reaction that is often pronounced in more remote rural communities.
“Rural and agricultural crime affects more than just its immediate victims. It can impact jobs, the environment and the economy.
“The theft of high-value equipment has also been linked to organised criminality, resulting in huge profits to some of society’s worst offenders.
“If you live or work in a rural community, we welcome you to the first Rural Crime Forum.”
The event will take place at Busbridge Village Hall between 6pm and 7.30pm. Sign up by following this link.
