Police launch dedicated rural crime team

CHESHIRE Police has put together a dedicated crime team to combat rural and wildlife crime and bring those who target these areas to justice.
The team was set up in time for a week of action, driven nationally by the National Police Chief’s Councils, which started on Sunday.
The week saw the new dedicated rural crime team taking part in cross border operations with neighbouring forces, working with the local community to gather vital intelligence and tackling issues such as fly tipping and off-road bikes – which can prove a real blight to the rural community.
While Cheshire has trained rural and wildlife crime officers, the force has never had a team specifically dedicated to rural and wildlife crime.
Forming this team highlights the force’s commitment to tackling rural and wildlife crime – an issue that in the past has often been under-reported.
Chief Inspector Simon Meegan, the force’s rural crime lead, said: “We want the rural community to have the confidence that we are working hard to protect them. We’re not just here for our towns and cities, protecting people from rural and wildlife crime is also extremely important to us.
“Rural crime can have an impact not only on people, but in some cases also affect their livelihoods. The dedicated rural crime team will listen to concerns and ensure that appropriate action is taken.”
The team is made up of a Sergeant, a Detective Constable, six police officers, three PCSOs and volunteers. It will also be supported by members of the Special Constabulary.
They will provide the force a specialist capability in investigating rural and wildlife crime, with a particular focus on offences that relate to farms and agriculture, wildlife, the environment, heritage sites and public protection issues within rural communities.
The team will also focus on identifying domestic abuse and hidden harm offences, such as modern slavery.
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane added: “With more than 65 per cent of Cheshire classed as ‘rural’, I am pleased that Cheshire Constabulary has established a dedicated rural crime team to tackle crime in our more isolated areas head-on.
“Many of the crimes which occur in rural areas are unique and can have a major impact on not only their victims but their livelihoods as well. That’s why it’s important that we have a dedicated rural crime team in Cheshire with officers receiving appropriate training to tackle and prevent rural crime.”