Neighbourhood Watch

Rural Crime Prevention Day - 27th March

Rural Crime Prevention Day to help Hampshire farmers and landowners beat rural crime

CLA South East is holding a Rural Crime Prevention Day at Sparsholt College, Winchester, on 27^th March 2014 to help farmers and landowners work with Hampshire Constabulary to beat rural crime.

The rural geography of Hampshire presents unique policing challenges for tackling rural crime.  In addition, continued economic uncertainty means those located in remote locations are at risk of thieves looking to steal machinery, vehicles, fuel and even livestock.

The Rural Crime Prevention Day will showcase precautionary measures and new technologies which can cut the chances of being a victim of crime and help give farmers and landowners the edge over criminals.  It will also provide a forum for those at risk of rural crime to work with the police on plans for prevention, intelligence and enforcement.

Speakers will include Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Hayes, the Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, and Crimestoppers. There will also be a buffet lunch provided and an exhibition of rural crime prevention methods and technologies.

CLA South East Regional Director Robin Edwards said: “Rural areas present the greatest opportunity for thieves. Isolated houses and buildings, less lighting, fewer witnesses and the ease of being able to watch the owner’s movements all add up to a very attractive target for thieves.

“But simply being aware is not enough: we need to make it difficult for thieves.  The Rural Crime Prevention Day will not only provide guidance and information for those in rural areas, it is also an excellent platform for building closer relationships between those at risk and Hampshire Constabulary.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Policing in rural areas presents its own challenges and we work closely with our rural communities to make it a hostile environment for criminals.

“As well as our robust approach to tackling criminality, taking steps to make it difficult for would-be thieves greatly helps us in preventing incidents from occurring.

“The CLA’s Rural Crime Prevention Day is an excellent opportunity for farmers and landowners to identify the best crime prevention measures for their property and to work with us in developing plans for tackling rural crime.”

The Rural Crime Prevention Day will take place on Thursday 27^th March 2014 at the Wessex Centre, Sparsholt College, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2NF from 9.30am - 4pm and the cost is £10 for CLA members, £15 for non-members. 

To find out more and to book your place, please contact Linda Carroll-Doggrell on 01264 313434 or email linda.carroll-doggrell@cla.org.uk.