Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had representatives of the National Rural Crime Network.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities. We are clear that when you report a crime, it should be properly investigated with victims having faith justice will be delivered, and criminals facing meaningful consequences – no matter where you live. That is why this Government is committed to reducing crime in rural areas and a cross-Government programme of work is underway through our wider Safer Streets Mission.

Under our reforms, rural communities will be safeguarded, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping. We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023.

We are continuing to work closely with the National Rural Crime Unit, a specialist police unit, and Historic England – both of which are partners of the National Rural Crime Network.