Rural firms are given tips to combat crime
BUSINESS owners from rural communities have received expert advice on how to combat crime at a barn workshop in the North West Leicestershire countryside.
Following the success of a similar event earlier this year, this workshop is taking key figures out into the district to speak and listen to those affected by countryside crime, and discuss effective preventative measures.
Organised by North West Leicestershire District Council, the event at the Field Sport UK activity centre near Ashby drew on the expertise of representatives of various organisations that fall under the umbrella of the Safer North West Partnership, including Leicestershire Police.
Speakers at the event included district council chief executive Bev Smith, Police and Crime Commissioner Willy Bach and Leicestershire Police Inspector Rich Jackson.
Hot topics included tackling
rural isolation, rural watch schemes, fly-tipping, security measures, CCTV and preventing the unlawful use of vehicles and motorcycles in the rural community.
Guests were also able to feed back any concerns they have about crime and security directly to the police and district council so that tailored support can be offered to tackle the important issues that mean the most to rural business owners and farmers.
Bev Smith said: “We are working together as a partnership to ensure that our rural communities know they have a voice and that rural crime is a priority for us.
“I’m proud that we hold events like this that allow a face-to-face opportunity for us to meet and speak with those affected by rural crime so we can work together to tackle it.
“The feedback I’ve had has been really positive and I know we’ve equipped lots of people with ideas and tips that will prevent them from falling victim to crime.”
Lord Bach said: “This was an invaluable event for all rural businesses and those who live in rural communities. Crime committed in a rural area poses different policing challenges, not least the relative isolation of many proper- ties. The advice and information provided at this event will, I hope, help people protect their property and equipment.
“I know that Leicestershire Police work very hard to tackle rural crime in all its forms and my police and crime plan includes a number of objectives around rural issues. However, as I’ve said before, the police can’t work in isolation and I was pleased to see so many partners at this event working in tandem with the police.”
Inspector Jackson said: “It was great to see so many people at this event despite it being quite a cold evening!
“We do take rural crime seriously and we wanted to run an event in partnership with the council to raise awareness and talk about what reasonable steps people can take to protect themselves and the importance of sharing information and being part of rural watch.
“It was a great opportunity to meet people who live and work in the countryside and listen to their views and opinions.”