Minister announces funding for Rural & Wildlife Crime Units at York conference
NRCN conference highlights growing urgency of rural crime
The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is hosting its Annual Conference in York for the first time. It brings together leaders from government, policing, academia, and frontline support services to address the challenges of rural crime.
This year's conference marks key milestones, including the first address by a Crime and Policing Minister. The Rt Hon Sarah Jones MP will deliver a national keynote focused on rural harms, coinciding with the government's announcement of continued funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit and National Rural Crime Unit, totaling over £800,000 for the upcoming financial year.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Tim Forber will also speak, offering an operational perspective on rural policing challenges and innovations.
The conference will explore four urgent themes: rural domestic abuse, stalking and sexual violence; serious organized rural crime; isolation, mental health and community resilience; and the human impact of rural, heritage, and wildlife crime.
The Rt Hon Sarah Jones MP stated, "Rural crime devastates local communities yet often goes unseen... By strengthening our partnerships... we can build a safer countryside."
Tim Passmore, Chair of the NRCN, stressed the importance of sustained commitment, saying, "Continued government funding... is a vital step forward, but we also know it cannot stop here. Rural communities still face deep-rooted fears about their safety."
Nick Turner, NFU Mutual Chief Executive, emphasised coordinated efforts, noting, "We know the disruption rural crime causes... which is why we have invested nearly £2 million over the past five years."
Lucy Charman of the CLA remarked: “This funding is welcome news for rural communities, who have long felt overlooked and left to cope with rising levels of rural crime. It sends a clear signal that the government recognises the importance of protecting rural people and their livelihoods. But there is still much to be done, rural communities will be watching closely to see this positive step develop into action that places the countryside at the heart of government policy.”