A NEW scheme to tackle rural crime was launched by Durham Police at Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services).
Backed by £205,000, two new Ruralwatch co-ordinators and a dedicated intelligence officer, who will capture and develop the intelligence gleaned from the Ruralwatch WhatsApp groups, to assist in targeting offenders, have been appointed.
Dubbed Rurali, rural residents are also being encouraged to work alongside the police to gather information and intelligence.
Durham Constabulary’s recently appointed Chief Constable, Rachel Bacon, was at the launch and said: “Our communities are vital in helping us to tackle crime. They are our eyes and ears when it comes to the areas in which they live.
“By encouraging them to report to us any suspicious activity, we can respond more effectively and work with them to make their communities even safer.”
Inspector Ed Turner, who oversees rural policing on behalf of Durham Constabulary, added: “The Ruralwatch members have already proved that sharing information and intelligence between themselves and the police is making an impact. Arrests have been made and property has been recovered – it just works.
“The Rurali initiative will provide a central hub and allow the intelligence to be captured and actioned.
“The public know the communities they live in better than anyone and will usually notice suspicious behaviour. Without the reporting of suspicious circumstances or crimes, it is difficult for the police to identify or tackle problem areas.”
The Rurali initiative comes after Utass began the first WhatsApp group to alert those living in far flung areas of the dale to incidents.
Utass manager Bob Garton said: “The new Rurali initiative fosters a valuable connection between police and rural watch groups, enhancing information flow.
“I’m pleased the police are taking such a proactive stance in working alongside us to help prevent these crimes.”
The money to pay for the initiative comes from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen’s Safer Streets budget.
She said tackling rural crime was one of her priorities in the Police and Crime Plan.
“This is a significant investment that I hope will go a long way to strengthening the volunteer network who are helping us to deliver safer, stronger and more resilient communities by preventing, detecting and deterring crime,” she said.
Farmer William Maughan added: “Living in the countryside can feel isolating, and this initiative provides much-needed support.
“Targeted or damaged property can be intimidating and have a significant daily impact on farmers. This scheme is a very welcome step forward.”
l Police want to hear views on rural policing and are asking people complete an online survey at https://on line1.snapsurveys.com/Rural_i_Jan24.
