Gloucestershire Constabulary supports the national Rural Crime Action Week

Gloucestershire Constabulary is supporting the national Rural Crime Action Week by taking part in a joint operation, hosting engagement events and conducting patrols in the county.

The Rural Crime Team in Gloucestershire is made up of seven officers - six police constables and a sergeant - who are embedded into the neighbourhood policing teams.

They work closely with partners such as the Environment Agency, local councils, and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. 

The team attends numerous public events, such as Frampton Show, to engage with the local rural communities, provide educational inputs to student officers, and deliver policing operations with other neighbouring police forces in the South-West region.

The National Rural Crime Action Week runs from 6 to 11 September, and aims to highlight the seriousness of rural crime.

Police Sergeant Jessica Brown said: "With Gloucestershire being a heavily rural county, it's important that there is a better understanding of the realities of rural life, and the impact this type of crime can have on our local communities.

"Our team is passionate about the work we do and we aim to champion the voice of our rural communities. 

"We can support with advice around security, crime prevention and we take part in patrols and conduct operations in rural areas which target things such as hare coursing and criminals using the rural road network.

"We understand the impact this type of crime can have on our farming communities, local residents and businesses, and we are committed to disrupting this criminality and targeting perpetrators."

Rural crime tends to fall into four categories of agricultural, equine, wildlife and heritage crime. For more information on rural crime visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/ 

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in rural areas is encouraged to report it to police. For rural crime prevention advice, visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/rural-crime-prevention/