Farming Talk: Election offers chance to deal with rural crime

So why am I confronted time and time again by all-round apathy when it comes to the issue of rural crime? The incidents themselves arouse anger, but also stoic resignation in the farming community. I am increasingly saddened to hear 'why report it – nothing will happen'.

I have some sympathy with that view but as long as crimes go unreported then little attention will be made to improve the situation.

Now we all have an opportunity to change that. On November 15, you will have the opportunity to vote for a new Police and Crime Commissioner.

This is not just another title – these people will wield real power over the police, to the extent that they can hire and fire the Chief Constable.

It is time for all you naysayers – you know who you are – to make sure that rural crime is high on the agenda of the candidates for this new position. Ask them what they are going to do about rural crime if elected. Ask if they will make the budget available increase police presence in the countryside. And ask them to investigate reported rural crime and prosecute whenever they can.

I cannot stress how important this is. It is your chance to help make your farm and your community a better, safer place. So ask the questions of the candidates – and vote accordingly.

Farms can provide rich and easy pickings and there is no shortage of criminals willing to exploit this. Crime in rural areas takes many forms, and is made easier for the perpetrator by the relative isolation of homes and businesses, a maze of county lanes unmonitored by CCTV, lack of street lighting, miles of legal public access close to properties and low visible police presence.

Freedom of movement and the free availability of information such as Google Earth and photographic databases makes both planning and escape all the easier.

What we should not do is make it any more attractive, so as well as making sure we elect Police and Crime Commissioners who have rural crime high on their agenda, please make sure you are doing your bit by making your farm a less attractive target. Despite all the warnings I know people who still leave keys in Land Rovers, toolsheds unlocked and broken lights unrepaired.

We can demand that the new commissioners take rural crime seriously, but we must also do our bit to help. So get off the plough, secure your farm and go to the polling station on November 15. And please report that crime!

Caroline Bedell is Director Midlands of the CLA