Rural Crime in the spotlight as Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner hosts awareness week

A week-long campaign is set to get underway across Derbyshire next week to raise awareness of the issues surrounding rural crime and the efforts and investment being put into tackling them and improving safety in the countryside. Derbyshire Rural Crime Awareness Week, which launches on October 3, has been organised by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster and aims to shine a spotlight on our rural communities and the work being undertaken by rural crime officers, the Commissioner and partner agencies to deliver a stronger policing response to rural communities. Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "The effect of rural crime on our communities is substantial. Our safer neighbourhood teams and rural crime officers work all year round to protect rural residents and their livelihoods from the threat of crime. This week we will provide a snapshot of that activity and will showcase a range of new projects and services designed to support our rural communities more effectively and clampdown on issues such as wildlife crime and illegal encampments. "The week will also see officers undertaking proactive and intelligence-led operations in areas where rural crimes such as poaching are known to take place and activity aimed at recovering stolen agricultural property and equipment. "Tackling rural crime is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. I want to make sure that our rural residents and businesses are safe. I have provided funding to improve the technical capabilities and investigative resources available to our rural crime officers to deliver a better response to the public. Prevention also remains a key theme and we will be sharing valuable advice over the week on the steps people can take to reduce their risk of crime."