Investment to tackle rural crime welcomed by PCC

Additional investment to help tackle rural crime announced by the government has been welcomed by West Mercia police chiefs.

The £800,000 funding will be invested into the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the National Rural Crime Unit, policing minister Sarah Jones announced this week.

West Mercia's rural landscape makes it particularly vulnerable to criminal activity, said the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), for the area, John Campion.

"I welcome this additional funding to support local efforts to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice, but it's just one part of the solution," he said.

Farmers and their families are living in "constant anxiety" from the threat of rural crime, the National Farming Union has said.

The force was already taking "significant" action locally, said the PCC's office, including the funding of five specialist officers and dedicated rural crime training for call handlers.

"Rural crime is often complex and it impacts communities that typically feel isolated," said the PCC.

"That's why I will continue to amplify their concerns and ensure everything possible is being done to provide them with the policing service they expect and deserve."

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