We need action now on rural crime, farmers in Shropshire tell police chief
Farmers are urging elected Police and Crime Commissioners to prioritise rural crime as a key issue following the elections.
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Shropshire has been hit hard by incidents of rural crime, which has far-reaching consequences, impacting farmers both financially and emotionally.
Machinery theft, fly-tipping, dog attacks on livestock and hare coursing continue to plague farming communities, costing the UK £49.5 million in 2022 alone.
In September, it was revealed how rural theft cost Shropshire an estimated £2 million in 2022 – a rise of more than double from 2021.
Robert Newbery, NFU Midlands regional director, said: “Rural communities are experiencing real problems, and we’ve been making the case to politicians for action for a long time as not only is there an obvious financial cost but it causes business disruption and reduces farmers’ ability to produce food for us all.
“The NFU continues to put rural crime in the political spotlight and an open letter will be sent to every newly-elected PCC in England and Wales.
