Introduction by the PCC

The Rural Crime Project for Warwickshire

As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have met with countless numbers of people across the county who work in our rural areas, where farming and the countryside are focal points of the community. As well as being a way of life for many people, the countryside and its rural businesses represent a large part of the county’s economy too, so it’s vital that we protect it and help them to thrive.

Rural crime remains a topic that people frequently raise with me as I go around the county. There are specific concerns such as the theft of agricultural equipment and livestock, wildlife heritage crime and problems caused by widescale fly-tipping. All of these require action and determination to solve.

That’s why I am passionate about supporting rural communities to do all they can to protect themselves against crime, while also ensuring that the policing response continues to strengthen.  Living in a rural area should not mean that you receive any less of a service from the police.

That’s why I championed the establishment and subsequent expansion of Warwickshire Police’s Rural Crime Team, which has made a measurable impact on the response given to reported incidents in the county. By building new relationships with rural communities, businesses and our surrounding police forces, they are working effectively to detect and deter those responsible for crime.

I am also proud to support Warwickshire Rural Watch and all of the work that goes into providing communities with the best advice and protection from crime.

Through these measures I want the message to go out that Warwickshire is not a soft spot for rural crime. By bringing the police and communities together through Rural Watch, we can ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the benefits our beautiful county affords us, without being blighted by crime.

Philip Seccombe TD, 
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner