PCC funds free security tech to prevent rural crime

High-tech surveillance cameras and specialist data tagging technology have been distributed to farmers and rural businesses free of charge across Melton and Lutterworth to prevent rural crime.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC Rupert Matthews has provided funding for two linked projects led by National Farmers Union (NFU) branches in Melton and Lutterworth to deliver practical security measures to protect local livelihoods, deter crime and increase opportunities to identify and prosecute offenders.

The Farmers on Farm Surveillance Project has involved the purchase and distribution of 30 surveillance cameras to farmers and rural businesses across the Lutterworth area to help prevent crimes such as theft, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

The devices, funded through the PCC’s Community Action Fund (CAF), were issued via a launch event attended by rural residents, farmers, officers from Leicestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team and representatives from the PCC’s office.

During the event, Sgt Rob Cross from Leicestershire Police delivered a presentation highlighting the importance of rural crime prevention and encouraging farmers to take proactive steps to safeguard their property. A practical demonstration on how to install and operate the new cameras was also provided.

In a second project, the PCC provided funding to the NFU’s Operation Trailer Trace project in Lutterworth which focuses on protecting agricultural trailers through the fitting of specialist ‘data tagging’ property marking technology.
Data tagging uses electronic transponders which are fitted in hidden locations on the protected vehicle or property. These transponders possess a unique identification code that can be read by a hand-held scanner used by the police to identify stolen vehicles or trailers and trace it back to its owner.

Trailer owners have been able to have specialist Datatag systems fitted to their trailers at a series of events at Melton Mowbray Livestock Market with support from the Rural Crime Team.

In total, just under 100 trailers have been protected through the scheme, increasing the likelihood of police being able to identify and recover them in the event any are stolen.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Oliver Bryan was on hand to see trailers being fitted with the technology during a recent visit to one of the crime prevention events.

Rural Crime is one of six key priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan with the Commissioner committed to delivering initiatives that concentrate on crime prevention and support rural communities to implement schemes that will work in their local areas.

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said:

“Farmers and rural businesses have welcomed these free security devices because they deliver real protection where it is needed most.

“Rural communities are often targeted by criminals who exploit isolated locations, vast areas of land and valuable equipment. These initiatives give farmers practical tools to deter theft, protect their livelihoods and make criminals think twice.

“Beyond the technology, we have reinforced relationships with farmers, landowners and residents, while strengthening our partnership with the NFU and Leicestershire Police’s Rural Crime Team.

“Prevention is at the heart of my mission to build safer, stronger and more prosperous communities. Farmers and rural businesses work tirelessly to keep our countryside thriving, and crime should never stand in the way of their success.

“Every theft hits livelihoods, damages confidence and holds back growth. That is why we are investing in prevention, supporting rural communities and taking decisive action to make our countryside a harder target for criminals.”

Ends

Picture Shows (L-R): Sarah Procter with Freya, PC Stuart Venables, PC Matthew Houghton, SGT Rob Cross, Deputy PCC Oliver Bryan and Leanne Parker.

NOTES TO EDITORS

CAF rounds are held throughout the year under different themes and are designed to equip small and grassroots organisations with the skills, knowledge and support they need to help residents thrive and to ‘prevent rather than cure’ crime and disorder – a strategy conceived nearly 200 years ago by the father of modern policing, Sir Robert Peel.