Police call for ‘rural rangers’

A new Lincolnshire Police scheme hopes to recruit a force of mounted volunteers to patrol the area on horseback looking for trouble.

If you have a horse, a keen eye for crime and time on your hands, Lincolnshire Police want to hear from you.

Gill Finn, Community Safety Officer for Lincolnshire Police, runs the scheme and said The Rural Rangers initiative is particularly interested in targeting the South Holland area for recruits.

“We are prioritising this area due to the hare coursing incidents,” Gill said.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire Marc Jones has agreed to support the scheme: “A crucial element of my work is to encourage partners to work together to help keep our residents safe.

“This scheme is an excellent way to give people an opportunity, and the necessary training and tools, to safeguard their own communities.

“They will be extra eyes and ears and will be able to look out for everything from fly tipping to suspicious behaviours.

“I am delighted to be able to support the scheme and am confident this is a very worthwhile investment.”

A statement that accompanied the launch of the scheme explained the role and duties of the rangers.

It said: “Rural Rangers Scheme is for horse owners who will undertake normal riding activities whilst at the same time being mindful of their participation in the scheme.

“They will ride their privately owned horses and will not be expected to ride in any area that they are not familiar with or for which the horse is unsuited.”

The main responsibilities are listed as: “To be on the lookout for criminal activity, antisocial behaviour and other issues of concern whilst on your regular hacks,” and “to provide the police and relevant agencies with regular information and updates through specified contact points.”

Anyone wanting to apply needs to be over 18 years old, must be willing to provide personal details and must be a “careful and competent rider” who rides in accordance with the Highway Code.

The police also state riders will use their own horses and their own expense and have their own insurance.

A high-visibility jacket will be provided for the horse, as well as the rider.

Gill said riders will not be given police powers or police ID but will have a direct line to report incidents they spot while doing the rounds.

For further details and an application pack, contact Lincolnshire Horse Watch Manager Gill Finn email gill.finn@lincs.pnn.police.uk, giving your name, address, and contact details.

Similar schemes have been set up around the country.

In 2015, Sussex Police put out a recruitment drive for its Sussex Equine Rangers partnership initiative.