Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she will publish the Rural Crime Strategy.

The Government is committed to tackling rural crime, safeguarding rural areas through tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and action to prevent fly-tipping.

That is why we are working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to deliver the next iteration of their Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy.

The strategy will set out operational and organisational policing priorities in respect of tackling crimes that predominantly affect rural communities, as well as ensuring Government priorities under our Safer Streets Mission are reflected.

In addition, we are providing funding of £800,000 in the current financial year to the National Rural and National Wildlife Crime Units. This will ensure these specialist units continue to help police forces tackle rural and wildlife crime, including helping to combat organised theft and disrupt the activities of serious and organised crime groups.