ARE THE POLICE DOING ENOUGH?

JUST 27% OF RURAL CRIME VICTIMS FEEL THE POLICE ARE DOING A GOOD JOB (2018 National Rural Crime Survey)

Only 27% of respondents say their local police are doing a good job. Compared to 2015, the number of crimes going unreported is up by 30%, mainly because victims do not feel the police and criminal justice system understand the issues or do anything about them.

NFU Mutual says reporting a crime, even with a low expectation that it will be addressed, is vital. “The crime gets recorded, police commissioners then make a fuss and something gets done,” says Price. “You should also remember that a lot of policing goes on behind the scenes; it’s not a case of having a bobby in a field.” Police commissioner Mulligan adds: “It’s clear police need to do a better job in rural areas. It’s too easy for a chief constable to say crime is more serious in urban areas and leave rural areas exposed.”