Rural crime encompasses a diverse array of illicit activities which occur in sparsely populated areas, typically outside of urban or suburban environments. These areas are characterised by small communities, farms, and open spaces.

Rural crime tends to fall into one of four categories:

Wildlife Crime like animal cruelty, poaching, badger baiting, killing or taking of wild birds or damage of protected habitats

Agricultural Crime like theft of, or damage to plant vehicles, equipment or livestock

Heritage Crime like lead theft from churches, damage to ancient monuments and illegal metal detecting

Environmental Crime ranging from illegal dumping of hazardous waste to the pollution of water sources

Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the country, but it tends to go unreported. Its consequences include potential increases in insurance premiums, food prices with harm to local communities. By taking some simple steps you can help prevent crime.

• Equipment and tool security in rural areas is crucial because agricultural equipment, tools, and machinery are often valuable assets and are at risk of theft due to their high market value. Use lockable barns, sheds, or garages to store equipment and tools when they are not in use.
• Estate and building security: take a good look around your property boundary for any potential places where it could be made more secure. Consider CCTV or audible alarm systems, use gravel on driveways, keep fences and boundary hedges in good repair.
• Livestock and equine security: check your livestock and the security of boundary fencing regularly; if possible, park trailers in a well-lit location and secure them with wheel clamps, hitch locks or a ground anchor.
• Diesel and scrap metal theft is a problem for many farms and rural properties. Store diesel in a secure storage tank with a bund and good quality locks; plant prickly shrubs around tanks, regularly check fill levels, consider using a mobile bowser so that fuel can be removed from isolated sites and kept in a secure place when not in use.  Mark valuable metal, such as lead and copper; paint a distinctive mark on gates and take photos.
• Fly Tipping: gates, fencing and CCTV cameras properly strategically placed can act as strong deterrents and provide valuable evidence for prosecuting illegal dumping.