Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to (a) produce and (b) implement a strategy on tackling rural crime.

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.