The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Installing a loud alarm and security lights are suggestions made by Lincolnshire Police for their recent rural crime ‘day of action’.
As part of the National Day of Action Against Rural Crime, the police published a list of preventative measures people in rural areas can take.
“Our advice pages www.lincs.police.uk/reporting-advice/ contain a lot of tried and tested solutions to security problems as well as simple common sense advice about everything from CCTV through to the humble shed padlock,” said the police statement.
Sgt Sharon Hall, HQ Crime Prevention and Partnerships: “A lot of theft that takes place in and around rural communities occurs in surroundings where risks of being seen or detected are low.
“Criminals can work quietly and meticulously if needed without being disturbed.
“This is especially true in the case of the theft of lead from church roofs and copper from agricultural buildings.
“The National Day of Action Against Rural Crime presents an opportunity to remind businesses and residents about just how effective the use of a loud alarm siren and good security lighting can be at stopping such crimes.”
East Midlands Crimestoppers and the Nation Farmer’s Union also supported the day.
Lydia Patsalides, East Midlands regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Rural crime is often seen as less important than that in more urban or city areas, but that is simply not the case.
“Communities are affected in different ways, and rural crime can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and livelihood.
“This is why I am asking people for information they might have on rural crime affecting their area.
“It’s an opportunity to speak up for your community, while we ensure that no-one will know you have done so.”
The National Farmers Union’s Danny O’Shea said of rural crime: “Crime in the countryside leaves victims devastated and businesses ruined. It has to stop.
“And with the National Day of Action Against Rural Crime, this blight on our rural areas will be brought into sharp focus.
“Rural crime is right at the top of farmers’ concerns and the NFU is here to highlight how vital it is that victims report incidents to the police – only then can we get a true picture of crime patterns in the countryside.
“We work closely with Lincolnshire Police to make sure the farming community knows the force takes rural crime very seriously and is determined to rid rural areas of thieves, fly-tippers and hare coursers.
“Report crimes, mark and photograph your valuables and keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Let’s make the countryside a no-go area for criminals.”
To report a non-emergency crime, contact the police on 101. For specific advice about rural crime prevention, contact the police via email at crime.reduction@lincs.pnn.police.uk
