Police receive specialist training to address rural crime in Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Constabulary aims to better support farming communities
Last updated 25th Jun 2026
Over 330 police officers in Cambridgeshire have undergone specialist training to tackle rural crime effectively and provide better support to farming communities.
The initiative, led by the Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT), covered a range of topics including hare coursing, farm machinery theft, environmental and heritage crime, and was delivered county-wide.
Conducted in partnership with Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch, the National Farmers Union, the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Rural Crime Unit, local farmers, and rural businesses, the programme aimed to equip officers with operational knowledge and real-life insights into rural issues.
Sergeant Tom Nuttall from RCAT said, “Rural communities face unique crime issues which require a specialist understanding from police officers. This training ensures our frontline staff have the knowledge and confidence to recognise rural crime, engage effectively with farmers and landowners, and provide the best possible service to our rural communities.”
This training session forms part of Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s ongoing commitment to addressing rural crime and strengthening collaborations with the rural sector.
Matthew Seabrook from Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch said, “The countryside presents policing challenges that can be very different from those encountered in urban areas. Giving officers the opportunity to learn directly from those who live and work in rural communities helps build understanding, strengthen partnerships and ultimately improve the service provided to rural residents and businesses. We are proud to have supported this training programme.”
Rory Kerr, Cambridgeshire County Adviser for the National Farmers Union, said, “Farmers and rural businesses are often victims of crimes that can have a significant financial and emotional impact. Providing officers with a greater understanding of agriculture, the pressures facing farmers and the realities of rural crime can only benefit our communities. The NFU was pleased to support this initiative and work alongside partners to help strengthen rural policing across Cambridgeshire.”
Sally Robinson, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said, “Early engagement between investigators and prosecutors is key to building strong, effective rural crime cases. By contributing to this training, we aim to support officers in understanding the evidential requirements and legal frameworks needed to bring offenders before the courts. Strengthening this partnership approach helps ensure that rural crime is robustly prosecuted and that victims receive the justice they deserve.”
Detective Sergeant Chris Piggott of the National Rural Crime Unit said, “Rural crime is frequently linked to organised criminality and often operates across force boundaries. It is essential that frontline officers can identify key indicators of rural offending, understand its impact on victims, and take appropriate early action. The National Rural Crime Unit supported this programme to enhance officer capability, improve intelligence gathering, and strengthen the initial response to rural incidents.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary expressed gratitude to supporting organisations and individuals, including local farmers and host venues, for making the programme successful.