Hampshire Police and Crime Panel 'Rural Crime 2017 Proactive

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Hampshire Police and Crime Panel ‘Rural Crime 2017 Proactive Scrutiny - Evidence

Contents:

Organisation Date recvd Page No. Abbotts Ann Parish Council 04/03/2017 3 Ashley Parish Council 10/02/2017 5 Bembridge Parish Council 08/03/2017 6 Bramdean and Hinton Ampner Parish Council 01/03/2017 7 Buriton Parish Council 27/02/2017 8 CLA (Country Land and Business Association) 16/03/2017 10 Cliddesden Parish Council 04/03/2017 12 Crookham Village Parish Council (Zebon Community 17/03/2017 13 Centre) East Tisted Parish Council 26/02/2017 14 Godshill Parish Council 15/03/2017 15 Hampshire Constabulary 13/03/2017 17 Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service 01/03/2017 19 Hartley Wespall Parish Council 13/03/2017 22 Herriard Park 05/03/2017 23 Hyde Parish Council 03/03/2017 26 Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership 27/03/2017 28 IWALC – Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils 04/03/2017 31 King’s Somborne Parish Council 15/02/2017 33 Kingsclere Parish Council 02/03/2017 35 Lake Parish Council 13/03/2017 36 Mapledurwell and Up Nately Parish Council 04/03/2017 37 Mattingley Parish Council 03/03/2017 39 Members of the public -- 41 Minstead Parish Council 18/03/2017 48 Netherwallop Parish Council 03/03/2017 50 Netley Marsh Parish Council 28/02/2017 51 Newnham Parish Council 03/03/2017 53 Oakley and Deane Parish Council 20/03/2017 55 Penton Mewsey Parish Council 08/03/2017 56 Petersfield Town Council 03/03/2017 58 Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire 10/03/2017 Appendix One Ringwood Town Council 02/03/2017 60 Shedfield Parish Council 02/03/2017 63 Southampton City Council 03/03/2017 64 Test Valley Borough Council 08/02/2017 65 Upton Grey Parish Council 19/03/2017 67

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Winchester Community Safety Partnership 02/03/2017 69

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Abbotts Ann Parish Council

W discussed the impacts of rural policing on Abbotts Ann at our Parish Council Meeting on 2nd March 2017. The parish of Abbotts Ann has a generally low crime rate as observed by and notified to councillors.

Please find submissions to your questions below.

Feedback on a number of key questions:

The Parish Council notes with dismay the previous reorganisation of the police within Andover to remove an assigned police officer from Abbotts Ann and their replacement with cover from PCSO's only. We have no complaint however about the PCSO's specifically, only that there is no specific police officer assigned. Thankfully the parish has enjoyed relatively low crime rates insofar as we're aware. We have noted absolutely zero information share or proposed 'partnership' from the police and/or the PCC. This is to be regretted.

1. there is an opportunity to provide pro-active communications that the Parish Council could tailor and share with parishoners via the village website, village email, notice boards and village magazine.

How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication?

2. The PCC has not communicated with the Parish Council.

How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level?

3. The current policing response is to remove police focus from it and reduce engagement with the local community.

What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime?

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4. The potential impacts that will develop over time as the priorisation and focus moves away from rural policing is that rural crime will increase and the police and PCC will lack the necessary intelligence systems to respond to it.

What actions do you think should be a priority within the the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

5. Abbotts Ann Parish Council would like to see a strategy developed that provides an effective link between local communities and the police with local visible policing, effective ongoing communication and clear intelligence gathering systems.

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Ashley Parish Council

1. I believe the PCC and his office have made efforts in fostering a partnership approach to rural crime.... however, for rural locations such as King's Somborne, Ashley, Up Somborne etc, which fall on the borders of 3 police force areas: Winchester, Andover, Stockbridge - there appears to be no central collection for crimes/information. Therefore if there is a local criminal, he may be known to a member of the police force in Andover who happens to patrol in this area, but not known to the Romsey force, who also patrol in this area. If information could be centralised between all 3 forces - or more, then I think it would be far easier to pick up on a pattern of behaviour from local criminals. This may happen already, but we are not aware of it.

2. I think the PCC communicates well with local residents, but it's more a question of whether procedures change as a result of any consultations and this is something we don't get any confirmation of or any information on after any consultation has occurred.

3. Specifically, we have known local criminals and we have been told there are not enough funds to put specific surveillance on any individuals... to local residents, the fact that a known criminal continues to "get away" with crimes - some which are related to burglary and drugs - is an extremely frustrating situation and leads to an attitude of little faith and unwillingness to report matters to the Police because of the fear of a lack of any positive outcome as a result. It would be greatly appreciated by the local communities if the Police could concentrate on issues that are particular to one area - this would result in a hugely positive feeling towards the Police and would reduce the crime rate in our area dramatically.

4. Key concerns are as outlined above... known criminals in the area continuing with their criminal activities with no action from the police to stop them

5. Include measures/action to concentrate on areas where there is known to be criminal activity with individuals known to the Police - it's too easy for the criminals. Are there members of the Police who can monitor Social Media? - if we as members of the public can see individuals boasting/bragging about hare coursing with their dogs, surely the Police should be able to pick up on this too?

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Bembridge Parish Council

My answer. The Police on the IOW, have worked with the Bembridge Parish Council. They have attended PC meetings and kept up to date with events taking place. Since our parish council meetings do not have a high public attendance, I am not sure how the general public feel.

2.It seems they have. I cannot be sure, as I have no personal experience with this. The fact there have been no issues registered with us on the PC I can only assume, it is good, or just not required.

3. I believe this is varied. Sometimes good, and sometimes slow. But the geographical layout and the road system do not help a rushed response, in certain areas.

4. Theft. Vulnerable elderly people being robbed and attacked. Luckily on the IOW, this sort of criminal is very scarce.

5. More casual patrols. The effect of a Police vehicle being seen is very positive. The word does get around quickly. Talks at schools. Primary schools in rural areas. Perhaps a once a month, pub lunch with no alcohol. It may sound like a joke. But I assume the Patrols need to take a break. it would be worth going to the Local Pub every now and again. Word spreads here on the IOW.

6. Showing a positive and friendly physical presence works wonders with the residents. Notices on webs sites are good, but there are many elder people who shop, coffee, and walk around the villages, but do not watch websites.

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Bramdean & Hinton Ampner Parish Council

1. Partnership and information sharing

Bramdean & Hinton Ampner Parish Council appreciated the opportunity to attend the Rural Crime conference but would have benefited from a presentation on the benefits that the PCC role has brought to Hampshire residents. The explanation of the broad remit for the police and the opportunity to share local concerns were usefully covered.

2. Engagement with residents

Whilst appreciating the challenges of engaging with such a large population it is difficult to recall how and when the PCC has engaged with residents. MPs and councillors seem to use local media - eg free newspapers and monthly publications and local "surgeries" to engage at a grass roots level. This could be fairly easily achieved with a monthly update from the PCC distributed to local agencies.

3. Effectiveness of current policing response

Individually local police have been excellent at attempting to cover all of the demands of their role. However rural parishes have seen a progressive dilution of the police service that they receive. No complaints have been heard locally about more centralised police support other than for road traffic management.

4 & 5 Key issues in priority order based on local residents' issues

Road traffic: noise, speeding and safety issues making the use of local roads, by anything other than a vehicle, dangerous.

Poaching

Theft from outbuildings and houses

6. Anything further?

It is always helpful to produce an annual work plan of planned action followed up by a progress review at the end of the year. This may already exist but not be readily available to residents.

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Buriton Parish Council

1) How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in fostering a partnership approach to rural crime, and in encouraging the sharing of information between partners? What opportunities do you feel exist for greater engagement?

The Parish Council is not really aware of this ‘partnership approach’.

The Parish Council is not really aware of any engagement with residents other than investigations following a series of recent burglaries and thefts in this rural parish in the first few weeks of 2017. This significant increase in rural crime in this parish does nothing to allay fears of parishioners: quite the reverse.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

The Parish Council is aware that Police Officers have visited premises after each of the recent rural crimes but the number of incidents seems to have increased starkly and so it would appear to be ‘prevention’ that is the issue. Thieves and burglars are too confident that they can break into properties in broad daylight without any chance of seeing a police presence or being detected …

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

The Parish Council believes that there are 2 unrelated concerns, both of which appear to be increasing: (1) the spate of burglaries and thefts from domestic and business premises in the parish in the first few weeks of 2017 appears to be higher than anyone can remember; (2) the incidence of dogs chasing, worrying and injuring / killing sheep in the parish is also on the increase and of great concern. Other Police Forces (such as North Wales, Sussex, Hertfordshire, Devon & Cornwall and North Yorkshire) appear committed to doing something about this – but not Hampshire? There must be better reporting and recording, better follow through and prosecution if this problem is not to escalate completely out of hand.

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5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

The Parish Council feels strongly that much more must be done to reduce the incidence of dogs worrying and attacking sheep. The Police Force should be prepared to join with others and raise the profile of this significant rural problem and make an example of offenders. There must also be more to help residents reduce the numbers of burglaries and thefts. It is not sufficient just to tell people to make sure that they have good quality window and door locks etc. Thieves have forced open locked doors and windows in this parish in recent weeks in broad daylight. A greater police presence is required in rural areas and / or consideration of some other approach such as innocuous CCTV cameras covering each of the four lanes in and out of the village to record registration plates.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

With regard to dog attacks on sheep, the Panel should contact the Defra adviser, [Name] of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England who is helping a number of Police Forces to improve their performances on this significant issue. Sussex Police are believed to be joining him in a new Pilot Programme which Hampshire may also be willing to join? Andrew Lee, Director of Countryside and Management at the South Downs National Park Authority, would also be another good witness to call and perhaps the Police Force can play a much greater part in the National Park’s “Take the Lead” campaign than hitherto. Can the Police work more closely with Hampshire County Council’s Rights of Way and Countryside teams? The County Council owns large tracts of land (including the Queen Elizabeth Country Park) from where a number of these dog attacks emanate. Better advice, education and controls are possible – and this could, in due course, reduce the requirements for Police time and effort …

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CLA (Country Land & Business Association)

 This is a timely questionnaire following such a high level of engagement at the Rural Matters Conferences. I understand 180 people attended the five events. The feeling at these event were that they were good, especially [Police Officer Name] and her team, but it is hoped that the PCC will not see these as the end of engagement but as the beginning.

 People feel that on the ground police presence is sparse but, as we discussed, with the budgetary constraints it is more around how police interact with the community.

2) How well has PCC engaged with residents to help allay their fears of rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you identify further examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication?  See above  Communication of good and bad news stories are important. Police Comms team should use partners to spread the messages as often media outlets will pick up partners output over police output

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?  It is reported that response rates to 999 Cat 1 calls whilst below target are timed as if they are in urban areas at 15mins from dispatch.  The police appear to be trying to fill in black spots of cover. However with reduction in size and number of stations the Police and PCC should work with the rural community to find ‘stop off’ points where police can have rest breaks, use facilities or just fill in reports.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?  Organised Crime Gangs starting with petty crimes and building up to bigger more violent criminality.  Lack of feedback and ease of reporting

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 key topics for our members is fly tipping, wildlife & heritage crime, non dwelling thefts.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

 Working with the working rural community to partner the police  Allowing for specific ring fenced rural specials  Actively seek ‘sponsorship’ of equipment and resources

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Cliddesden Parish Council

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

The rural police officer is vital as a point of contact within his area - for residents and all organisations - to co-ordinate local knowledge and information for the purposes of deterring, preventing and enabling a speedy response to combating crime. This local engagement and effectiveness greatly improves relationships between the police and local communities and as such their satisfaction with the policing service they receive. Extending the areas of rural policing teams so their presence and effectiveness is diluted and their travelling time greatly increased is not efficient or cost effective. Increases in rural crime will lead to costs spiralling upwards and these costs are also borne by the victims of crime.

Cliddesden is most fortunate in that our current officer [Police Officer Name] provides a most excellent example of effective rural policing. He is in touch with each of the Parish Councils in his area and regularly speaks to residents in the village advising them how they can help to reduce crime in the area.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? See 3 above

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? See 3 above

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Crookham Village Parish Council (Zebon Community Centre)

We are currently experiencing an increased level of anti-social and unwanted behaviour after dark on the playing fields, play areas and car park surrounding the Zebon Community Centre (Church Crookham). This has been an ongoing problem for some time but has become noticeable worse over recent months.

At times we have felt a little unsupported by the police but have recently seen a change in this after continued efforts on our part to have a police contact we can report incidents to and seek advice when required. A recent meeting with [PCSO Name] and [PCSO Name] has meant as Centre Managers we have a “go-to” contact now when required. On their advice we have set-up a log to record incidents in a more formal manner.

Examples of the type of problems we are currently experiencing are:

 Vandalism – eg Perspex smashed out of bike shelter and damage to an external air conditioning unit.  Fire starting – in one of our play areas after dark. Youths caught by Parish Councillors on leaving a meeting at the Community Centre; they were discovered trying to set wooden fence alight. Centre Managers have also found evidence of fires in the play area on regular weekly inspections.  Alcohol – litter in the form of beer, cider bottles etc and bottles smashed in the play areas leaving broken glass amongst the play bark surface. Broken glass found close to football pitches too.  Drug use – drugs paraphernalia regularly found on site by Centre Managers. Reports from Contractors on site of the smell of people smoking cannabis during daylight hours in the woods close to the Centre. Councillors found those involved with the fire starting to clearly be under the influence of something.  Vehicles – speeding / donutting in the car park after dark reported by local residents.  Disturbance to Centre users – youths banging on windows whilst meeting was underway on a Friday evening. All of these are very concerning for the safety of those involved, of others using the site and from a business point of view for our paying users who hold classes and events at the community centre not to mention protection of the Centre building itself and Crookham Village Parish Council property.

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East Tisted Parish Council

• Very proactive but a great deal is left to the neighbourhood policing team • Hold more events in the Alton rural area. Netley is a long way to travel

• Very little within the East Tisted area. • Hold more events in the local area

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

There is very little interaction with local residents this could be improved

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

Lack of a local police presence

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

More attention to the smaller communities

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Godshill Parish Council

1. How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in encouraging partners to work together and share information, where possible, to help prevent rural crime? Can you identify any opportunities for further partnership working in the future? The Police Liaison Committee, which was hosted by Fordingbridge Town Council and discontinued over a year ago, provided a useful update on local rural crime, trends etc and useful warnings. We as a Parish Council feel very uninformed regarding current statistics and performance, crime trends and current police operations within our area. 2. How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication? See above, Hampshire 101 provides a useful service but there would appear to be limited follow up. Perhaps a monthly or quarterly report of reported local rural crimes could be provided to the parish clerks in order that the public can retain some awareness. 3. How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level? The response is acceptable but could easily be better through improved communications with communities. 4. What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime? Godshill Parish is particularly exposed to rural opportunist crime, albeit low, so any advice, neighbourhood watch and country watch signs to distribute to the public would be useful. Also, the Parish Council no longer gains knowledge of any Police / Council Crime Prevention initiatives and gadgets such as the alarm padlocks. The Parish Council would also like any information that it can provide to older residents to protect against doorstep crime to cyber crime. 5. What actions do you think should be a priority within the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? Increase in cybercrime and fraud and theft from outbuildings. Godshill Parish is particularly exposed to shed and outbuilding crime due to the low residential density and high number of rural outbuildings.

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6. Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist them with their proactive scrutiny of this topic? Better communication is needed as the only method previously was through the quarterly Police Liaison Committee meeting for the surrounding parish councils covered by the various "beats". The information / advice obtained will then be disseminated to residents through Parish Newsletters and on the Parish Council website.

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Hampshire Constabulary

The PCCs rural conferences have been a positive and effective way to achieve this. It would be useful to continue these and pre-publicise times, dates and locations well in advance to maximise attendance. The presence of the PCC office on the HIOW Rural partnership Board is also very constructive. I believe that the PCC office has a representative on the HCC Rural Forum also.

The survey at the conferences was a good idea. This could possibly be pushed further by way of Survey Monkey? It would be useful to reach the broader rural community rather than solely those who attend events, partners such as CLA or NFU may be able/willing to assist with this.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

I feel that it may not be appropriate to answer this as this is an area for which we are responsible in terms of delivery.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

 Local context of policing – knowing who your local neighbourhood officers and PCSOs are and being able to contact them.  Fly tipping  Poaching  Theft  Speeding in rural areas

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5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

As above. Also ensuring that there is continued support and investment in this area of policing.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

We need to be clear around how we measure the delivery of a plan, as not all of this is tangible. There are many issues within the rural areas whereby the value of engagement is difficult to quantify but has a significant impact. Equally many activities in rural communities may result in the absence of crime, but again this is difficult to quantify other than in increased confidence in policing.

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Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Rural Crime Partnership (HIOWRCP) is currently chaired at Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) level by Hampshire Police. This, well attended forum, includes representatives from Police (Special Constabulary Chief Officer, rural Detective Chief Inspectors, inspectors and sergeants, prevention leads and firearms licensing), the PCC office, the Crime Prosecution Service, local authorities, game keepers, the National Farmers Union, rural magazines, the New Forest High Sheriff, members of strategic peer’s advisory bodies and others invested in rural affairs.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have been attending and contributing to this meeting over the last year and view this as a positive forum to share information, develop a greater understand of the issues faced across the rural communities and to develop joint initiatives. The HIOWRCP encourages engagement from a variety of partners and we can see that further opportunities will be built from this partnership. The PCC has attended these meetings clearly reinforcing his support for rural communities. At these meetings the Police give a briefing supported by data of their performance in rural areas in terms of type of crime, Police response times and comparison with urban areas. Arson data is recorded although it currently does not include data from Fire Service statistics, so only identifies arson that has been reported to the Police.

Although the HIOWRCP oversees the work in rural areas from a strategic level there are strong links already forged across the blue light services within rural areas, this includes shared facilities. This has lead to a more collaboration and a mature understanding of local issues and ensures that information can be passed and acted on efficiently and effectively.

As a partner organisation we are unable to answer on behalf of the residents as to how effective the PPC is in engaging with them, however evidence such as the rural community workshops that are being run this year in various rural locations would suggest positive action.

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The PCC has a clear vision for crime and policing within the rural communities, and has identified the importance to secure a sustainable funding model from central government rather than from local tax increases. He has made it clear that the multiagency and intercommunity approach is a high priority. We suggest that this could be further used to open up other communication channels.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

Through Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services (HFRS) work in collaboration with the Police, we observe an effective response to rural crime and see the Police demonstrate a supportive approach to engagement opportunities. There appears to be a feeling within the rural communities that rural areas are under resourced and that this is an inevitable consequence of the reduction on front line officers due to budget restraints.

It is the view of HFRS that there is an underlying feeling within the rural community that crime is not being effectively reduced, more that the problem is moved to areas that are not so pro active in Policing. This effectively moves crime to our neighbouring forces that may not prioritise these activities.

As our rural areas cross geographical boundaries, a more joined up Prevention and Policing strategy would help reduce crime in the longer term.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

A key concern to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is to proactively seek to reduce the risk of arson to both property and the environment. An example of how this can be addressed, through a partnership approach, would be in the reducing and enforcement on fly tipping.

Another key concern is the reduction of road traffic accidents caused due to activities such as drug/alcohol impairment and speeding. This could be further explored to identify trends and prevention and enforcement activities that can reduce this risk.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service think the following priorities should be considered for inclusion in the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW:

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 Increase the use of multi agency resources to tackle complex local issues.  Smaller localised forums that feed into or replicate the HIOWRCP would further benefit local communities and help target resources and share successful prevention programmes.  Being more agile to respond to localised risk. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are looking at the potential for this in terms of identifying vulnerable persons in rural communities. Often those that live and work in rural communities, such as retained duty firefighters, have a good understanding of risk in the community in which they live.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

The HIOWRCP is extremely well supported and chaired at a level which leads to a wide range of views being captured and shared with a large number of influential stakeholders. Similarly due to the ownership of the group being at ACC level, action points are delivered and reported on, giving a high degree of feedback and engagement to the group.

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Hartley Wespall Parish Council

The main concern of this Council – and it may not be a Police matter – is the constant instances of fly tipping in areas just off the roadways in the village. The number of instances is increasing, and it is not easy to get the land owner nor the BDBC (when a footpath is covered in debris by fly tippers) to take action. I understand that this is a problem suffered by most areas in the country, as recently mentioned in the Press. This requires stronger and more immediate action, firstly against the fly tippers, and secondly against those responsible to remover the litter.

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Herriard Park

As a parish councillor we have had meetings with police on traffic, attended the commissioners rural conferences and talked to the commissioner on rural neighbourhood policing.

The commissioner listened but I am unsure to what extent he will accept or act on our suggestion for additional funding.

We are very concerned that the standard of rural policing is declining – particularly with all the varying calls on police resources- and I attach the summary email on this below:

Dear Michael

Thank you for an interesting and thoroughly constructive meeting at Sparsholt on Friday.

It was very helpful to learn more about what the police are doing, what some of the challenges are, and to hear about the context for rural and neighbourhood policing.

It was also encouraging that there was plenty of scope for giving opinions and feedback in a well structured way.

Although it was referred to, there was limited discussion of private funding in the open discussion and so as discussed I am writing to you on that.

These are my views and I was not involved in the later discussions with [Name] and others, but hopefully this follow the same themes.

Private financing

As you know residents in the Upton Grey and Candover’s area consider we have excellent neighbourhood policing in which we have confidence.

The funding cuts and reorganisation meant we thought we might lose that and the funding discussions were in that context.

My understanding is that those involved agreed and planned that

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 Any private funding has to come from or through Parish councils and cannot be direct from private individuals. (Although corporate support is not uncommon).  Any funding model had to be one that could be used and copied elsewhere and hence bring money in to support the police in a meaningful way - not just a one off  There would be absolutely no operational involvement by local parishes – but some geographic area commitment from the police force

Money was discussed to be put towards cars, equipment and wages or full financing of an officer.

There is clearly money available at least to fund a car and equipment and probably to fund an entire officers costs.

That could mean an extra officer for the police force in Hampshire and it is hard to see how anyone loses out from that.

Even if initially (and as was the case in the past) it was only the funding of cars for individual police officers that would be positive .

A police car parked in a village or at a private house is welcome in any village as a deterrent on its own.

Phones, computers, offices and radios are all items that could also be covered presumably, as well as wage and other costs if requested or required.

Operational flexibility

This was not covered much at the meeting but a more flexible approach by the police to working practices might help particularly in rural areas.

Private companies do now enjoy much more flexible hours, places of work and routines and all that is easily achievable with modern technology.

If rural officers had their own (sponsored) cars there would be no need for them to travel to remote offices as much (e.g. Candovers to Tadley) which wastes significant time

Home based offices are very much part of general working life now, as are flexible hours and opting out of the working time directive, and all offer advantages to the police.

When I have asked non frontline (i.e. managerial) officers about some of these issues an inflexible attitude focussing on the difficulties has been apparent.

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Rural compared to urban policing

I cannot comment and know little of urban policing but talking to people including rural police officers and PCSO’s - as I have been doing over the last couple of years - it is clear there is a wide range of career and lifestyle expectations. Many rural officers would like to live nearer where they work but cannot due to housing costs. Urban police are much less keen to live actually in the area where they work due to security concerns, but to be in a rural area nearer is of interest. Some rural officers and PCSO’s do see rural policing as a vocation and want to be embedded in the community in the same place for a long time. Others don’t and many PCSO’s are doing a couple of years in order to become a policeman. There is a clear opportunity to recruit officers and PCSO’s for a specific rural role and vocation without the expectation of career enhancement because some people do wish to stay and commit to a community.

Provision of Rural housing:

We have in the past let local police offices know when we have empty houses on the Herriard Estate and there has often been demand.

Some officers and PCSO’ (both rural and urban based) who is poke to recently expressed interest in living in rural areas nearer where the work if it was an option.

Many rural estates and farms would give land for affordable housing if it was dedicated to the police or key workers, as they like the people and vehicles visible on site.

At Herriard we would be pleased to provide a plot for this and I am sure others would too, so there is an opportunity to set up a rural housing association to provide housing for key workers

I do hope these ideas may be of interest and would be pleased to support you and others to work on these if you are behind them in principle.

I attach a copy of the Farmers Weekly article that summarises many of the rural concerns, and will copy this email to [Councillor Name] and my local Parish Council.

Thank you for all you are doing to understand the rural areas.

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Hyde Parish Council

As a Parish Council we have had no contact with the PCC until recently when one of our councilors attended a workshop/meeting at Emery Down. We are waiting for the PCC to propose a policy to address the crime and concerns of the residents of this parish. Any engagement we have had as a Parish Council has been with the local police officers and at the moment we do not have a regular officer posted to Fordingbridge and the surrounding parishes. We have only a first term PSCO looking after our Parish.

It is with regret Parish Council have had no contact with the PCC and the fears of our residents, many who are elderly has 'not' been allayed. The Parish Council would appreciate more communication especially in resolving problems and having issues addressed. We have a neighbourhood watch in the parish where information and knowledge is passed to the residents. We have an exceptionally good Neighbourhood watch scheme in the parish which reaches over 360 of the 400 houses in the parish and is a very effective way of communication. Often, information about crime and suspicious activity is passed on by residents before police sources, and better support for this useful scheme would be appreciated..

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

The Parish Council does not consider the response is effective for the residents. The main reason is the precieved length of time to respond to a 999 call as the nearest police station is 7 miles away. The lack of a regular officer that our residents can recognise and have the confidence that the police will address their concerns.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

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The Parish Council would divide the concerns into two areas. Reportable crime and the other is the welfare of the residents. The parish continues to suffer from break in's into outbuildings and the appearance that the solving of these crimes and return of stolen property is of low priority. The welfare of the residents many who are elderly and vunerable is the other priority. The problems of, on line crime, distraction burglaries and the fear they have that criminals are in their garden and sheds needs to be addressed.

There is also the number of road accidents in the New Forest involving livestock and the distressing result.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

Key to solving of the problems in this parish is the provision of enough rural police officers with knowledge of the parish and the rural issues. This is the only way crimes will be solved and the criminals brought to court and our residents will feel safe in their homes.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

Yes - the clear up rate of rural crime needs to be considered compared with urban crime by number of population/properties. The financial loss to residents and farmers should be compared with urban areas and also be related to the number of population/properties. This comparison will prove or disprove the rural population's impression that they are being targeted by criminals.

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Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership

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IWALC – Isle of Wight Association of Local Councils

The PCC recently held an open session at the Riverside Centre on the Island, which was helpful. We know that newsletters come out from the PCC but the feedback from many Town and Parishes is that the Island is a bit disconnected when it comes to real engagement. At a recent meeting of the West Wight Parishes one of the subjects under discussion was interaction between the local policing team and the Parish Councils. We are aware that the teams are now covering larger geographical areas and the Island, and the West Wight being mainly rural, does have a low crime rate. However, the lack of engagement with the policing team does not encourage good two-way communication.

Some feedback that we have received is that the loss of the Assistant PCC that we had on the Island under Simon Heyes has reduced communication. There is also concern regarding the dropping of the proposal for the Isle of Wight being included in the name of the Hampshire Constabulary.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

The general feeling is that the capacity on the Island is stretched. Having said that there is great respect for our Island’s policing team. The preventative effect of Neighbourhood Policing is recognised and there is concern that with current capacity this might not be effective as it has been in the past. T&PCs used to have monthly updates on crime statistics in their area. These stopped and when we enquired why the figures were no longer available we were informed that there were not enough staff to prepare the figures. However, after a productive meeting with the local sergeant these figures are now available on the policing website. Unless T&PCs are able to have the correct information it is difficult to see how we can work collaboratively, as we would

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wish to, with our local force and to be aware of what the issues are for us locally.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

 Low level crime – eg: burglary, malicious damage  Vandalism  Vehicle related crime including vandalism  Increasing amount of fly-tipping – not sure where this fits with policing but it is becoming an issue on the Island as it is elsewhere  Domestic abuse  Drug or alcohol related crime

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

Strengthen the Neighbourhood Policing Teams

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

On the Island we recognise the good work of the PCSOs – this is a personal view but given the financial situation nationally collaborative working across our blue light services could be strengthened.

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Kings Somborne Parish Council

The PCC is making efforts by way of improving the Firearms/Shotgun application process and is instigating engagement (Rural Communities Matter conferences), but this has not percolated down into rural policing or useful data sharing.

Save for the Rural Communities Matter Conferences and this request for evidence we are not aware of any other significant engagement with ourselves or residents or in deed our NHW team per se.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

The perception is that rural policing continues to decline; little involvement with the Neighbourhood Watch or the Parish Council and it’s very rare to see a police officer in the village though we do see the occasional PCSO. We get the impression that rural crime is not that important and that the Police do not really want to get engaged other than “socially” with a crime number being issued as the solution. Crime reporting via 101 is woefully ineffective and it seems counterintuitive that this is the service from which the Police pick up a lot of their reported crime – yet the user has to pay an additional cost to do so!

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

Lack of a Police presence especially outside core hours, out building theft, anti- social behaviour (especially youths) & drugs. Reporting crime options and the 101 service.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

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Improve reporting measures to the Police (email, app, website) and make the 101 service both work properly and free. Get proper crime statistics. Improve frequency of a Police presence. Improve efficiency.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

Communications to Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Watch schemes need a major overhaul with regular reporting providing both stats and surrounding area/national intel with advice to help counter crime before it happens. Help us to be part of the Police force’s effort to tackle rural crime.

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Kingsclere Parish Council

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Lake Parish Council

Lake Parish Council report that small scale arson attacks on public loos in the Bay area of the island (Sandown, Shanklin, Lake) seem to be happening at least twice a month and sometimes more.

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Mapledurwell & Up Nately Parish Council

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

It is been commented by the Parish Council that: ‘We have been asked to complete numerous surveys and questionnaires on this subject over the past 2- 3 years. Responses were akin to many others, expressing concern over the reduced presence, mobility and communication levels for rural policing. It appears our concerns have been largely ignored. Asking us to comment on this again just rubs in a little more salt! We all know there are financial issues and that priorities have to be set. So be it. Continually asking us if it is OK, when it is not, and asking us to comment on strategies we have already said we are not happy with doesn’t really help.’

However Parish Councillors attended one of the recent meetings and it was noted that: ‘There is hope that a planned massive upgrade in the computer software would enable Hampshire police to communicate much more effectively within the county and nationally and so be able to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents in the countryside. The fact that PCC

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Michael Lane is holding these conferences shows they are taking it seriously.’|

The situation in Mapledurwell & Up Natley is viewed as follows: ‘[Police Officer Name] works so well because people trust him and can see that the information he receives is acted upon, a classic case of 'hearts and minds' at work. What has to be emphasised is the need for information flow to allow rural policing to work... [Police Officer Name] works because the criminals know that on his patch their movements will be reported and so they keep away.’ This should be considered a policing model to be incorporated for the future, not one to be consigned to the past.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? See 3 above

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? See 3 above

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

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Mattingley Parish Council

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

Take the case for Mattingley Parish which includes several rural villages and hamlets. Restructuring of our Local Rural Policing has created ‘Hart Rural North’ from the merger of Hartley Wintney, Eversley and Hook Wards – comprising Hook, Hartley Wintney, Mattingley, Heckfield, Bramshill, Hazeley and Eversley. The Police Community Support officers schedule their attendance at the various Parish Council meetings in rotation. But even if meetings can’t be attended, regular contact is needed to maintain the flow of information between Parish Council, Police and Community.

At the February Parish Council meeting, PCSOs advised of recent ‘spikes’ in dwelling and particularly non-dwelling burglaries targeting farm and garden equipment. Quad bikes are frequent targets, it is thought in some instances to facilitate the burglaries. Criminal damage is also linked, gate padlocks being cut to allow access and getaway across fields.

‘The burglaries are being treated as priority and the chief inspector has allocated

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funding. Overnight operations 27th - 29th January failed to catch the perpetrators but appear at the moment to have halted the burglaries. Another quad bike was stolen last night (Sunday 19th) and the operation remains on standby.’

This response would seem commendable but is this type of firefighting response the most effective and cost effective?

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? See 3 above

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? See 3 above

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

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Comments from Members of the Public

In our villages we have always had an excellent relationship with our rural policeman , in this case [Police Officer Name] . I know that there was a move some time back to remove this " village Bobby " set up , but fortunately has not happened, but do not know what part the PCC played in retaining this.

The village Bobby approach works well in a rural environment, we all know him and he knows us and will contact him over suspicious instances acting as the eyes and ears for such a large area. Similarly he will text requests for sightings / information .

It does appear to be pretty effective in both detecting and deterring criminals as they know they are being watched, so would say "if it ain't broke don't fix it " . I am sure there must be minor improvements that could be made and is very dependant on the commitment and local knowledge of the PC concerned , but a key point must be the feeling of ownership and the freedom to act in his/her patch as they see fit for the local circumstances.

If this is the view of the PCC on rural policing then it's heading in the right direction .

______

1. My answer. The Police on the IOW, have worked with the Bembridge Parish Council. They have attended PC meetings and kept up to date with events taking place. Since our parish council meetings do not have a high public attendance, I am not sure how the general public feel.

3. I believe this is varied. Sometimes good, and sometimes slow. But the geographical layout and the road system do not help a rushed response, in certain areas.

4. Theft. Vulnerable elderly people being robbed and attacked. Luckily on the IOW, this sort of criminal is very scarce.

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______

In response to your 6 points:

1. How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in encouraging partners to work together and share information, where possible, to help prevent rural crime? Can you identify any opportunities for further partnership working in the future? No idea as we have never had any dealings with the PCC 2. How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication? We have never seen any communication with local residents either via local press and broadcast media - except for PCC election material and a letter in the local Ringwood & Fordingbridge News asking residents to take part in this process. 3. How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level? Ringwood Police Station has been closed and it is now very rare to see police presence in the town - disappointing because there seems to be a lot of 'low level' crime in the area affecting private and public property. In last year we and 4 friends have been burgled and thousands of pounds worth or property stolen from secure outbuildings, sheds and garages. Only one of 5 of us was invetisgated by a visit by a police officer the rest merely given crime numbers and told to look online to see if we could find the stolen property ourselves 4. What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime? A lot of crime seems to occur in waves and it is disappointing that more is not done to identify the likely culprits or collect evidence which might help build up a picture and lead to a conviction later. 5. What actions do you think should be a priority within the the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? Identify and target the few individuals or gangs who appear to carry out crime in our area. Make the public aware when spates of thefts are

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occurring in the area, perhaps using local newspapers, radio stations and local Facebook pages.

6. Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist them with their proactive scrutiny of this topic?

Keep pressing the government for more money for policing and more visible police presence. Reminding them that rural policing is as important to rural residence as city policing is to metropolitan dwellers. As a victim of crime feeling left to deal the consequence without any police support makes you feel very vulnerable.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. We look forward to an improved police service in the future.

______

I want to know why there are repeated offences, specifically of theft from a well known grocery store, and that this is ongoing. I appreciate that other, more random offences cannot always be prevented/stopped by police but the one against the store suggests that it is viewed as a soft target plus the losses will be passed on to buyers. It gives a poor account of our quality of life in this confined locality.

Neither I nor my husband can recall anything that the PCC has done to encourage working together in this largely rural Island. Of course our emailings from Hampshire Alert provide local updates of crime and urge residents to take practical steps to prevent it happening to themselves, but otherwise we hear nothing. ______

Just responding to your letter in the Lymington Times. I have been a Gamekeeper at Beaulieu Estate for [Number of] years and as such have many dealings with the Police and rural crimes.

It certainly feels as if there are alot more crimes occurring with very little resulting prosecution's maybe those two facts are related. When I started we still had a local beat officer living in the police houses in the village. I understand that cuts have made this impossible but there also seems to be a very high turnover of officers. Just as you start to form a working relationship with one they are promoted into the next assignment. The initiative to employ the Hampshire Countryside Rangers as your eyes and ears is a good one as these are people who are likely to stay in their job role for many years. This harks back to when the New Forest Keepers were special constables.

I have always been impressed with the standard of the officers responding to things like missing persons and burglary. But when poaching is the problem many seem out of their depth. Your dog handlers are some of the few that seem to have any confidence and know what they are doing and their presence can very quickly bring a positive conclusion to an incident.

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We are constantly reporting suspicious numbers and activity but feedback from countrywatch usually amounts at best to the car owner being sent a warning letter. All this does is tip the criminal off to the fact that we know their car so they change it and we are back to square one.

101 is very slow to respond and you have to talk them through reporting it to Countrywatch and getting a crime referance number. At one point they used to send you an email confirming what you had reported and giving you physical proof that you have reported an incident but that never happens now. Quite often it never gets flagged up to countrywatch and then they say that nothing has been reported. A dedicated 101 email address to report incidents to would cut out this problem as with a click of a button various officers and others could be copied in. It would also free up 101 operator's time for more pressing incidents. A lot of the time we are reporting incidents from the last 24 hours and we just want it logged in to show the pressure of incidents we receive.

Neighbouring police forces, especially Dorset seem to have harnessed the power of Facebook. They regularly report suspicious vehicles and the results of operations. Hants alerts is too slow and hardly ever gives out proactive information. Some progress is being made but you really have to look for it. To be effective a page that gave out up to the minute information on traffic problems, missing persons, persons of interest etc. that was a first point of call would be great.

A few more accual convictions might shake up the local element who seem to be having a free for all at the moment. Any convictions should be reported name and shame.

There is a thriving rural/agricultural social network in the New Forest and the vast majority are worried about the increase in rural crime. By inspiring a two way flow of Information you could tap into a grass roots network of eyes and ears. Publish any results that you get no matter how small to show that something is being achieved. Try and move away from just talking to the major players. The idea of a local officer having a open surgery that people drop in on feels more like a gimmick but it may work I don't know. Far better in my opinion is a few familiar faces that you have confidence in and can approach at anytime. If a sense of inclusiveness can be restored a lot of the petty crimes like fly tipping would be reduced and prosecuting when it occurs would reduce it further.

If you can get people talking to each other and can add information from other sources i.e. local councils, Forestry Commission, neighbourhood watch, I think that we would soon find the same names and car numbers come up again and again. Then it is up to the Police to do something about it.

I hope this has answered some of your questions and given you some ideas for ways to streamline the reporting process. I wish you good luck for the future.

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______

1. Don’t know 2. Not at all well. The previous arrangement whereby a member of our local community police team attended parish council meetings (even on their days off) worked well. The Parish Council never sees anyone now. 3. Don’t know 4. Theft from outbuildings and farms 5. ?? 6. No ______

1 How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in encouraging partners to work together and share information, where possible, to help prevent rural crime? Can you identify any opportunities for further partnership working in the future?

I feel that serious consideration should be given to communities being allowed to support the police by providing additional funding to support regular policing of their local area. It is not a case of the wealthy area's having a 'private police officer' it is a case of local communities having the policing that they want and are willing to pay a little extra for but are willing to pay extra to the force to have that service. The £60k offered by this community would pay for a Constable's yearly salary plus an additional Police Constable to police another area, in times of austerity additional income allowing for more police officers has to be a win win situation for all concerned and with the national funding issue? Also several communities in this area were looking and considering doing the same if the go ahead was given. I am aware that it is lawful for such payments and the opportunity was seized upon by the Merseyside Police in Liverpool City Centre and the Metropolitan Police in some of their Boroughs.

2. How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate, concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication?

I am unable to recall any communications from the OPCC to local residents regarding crime prevention, but in fairness I feel that this is far better done by the local Police beat officer and there is no need for a PCC to spend valuable time on such issues. Regarding the 'community finance for a dedicated Police Officer', whilst the PCC has spoken to our local elected Borough Councillor and Member of Parliament about this issue, he has not engaged or spoken to the local communities of this area, he is aware of the concerns of this area and of its residents. Things are slightly better in that Mr Lane does acknowledge and return correspondence, unlike the former OPCC's office that never did reply to my letters. The PCC needs to 'think outside the box', the possibility of residents paying for extra policing is a major step forward within the policing of their communities and with finances being as they are now and in the future.

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All measures need to be considered no matter how 'uncomfortable' they may appear to some, but with correct implementation and safeguards there is no problem, once he has made his decision then engage with the local community.

3. How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level?

From my knowledge I do not feel the police respond particularly well to rural crime here or nationally, people have said their reported crimes have not been investigated or responded to, (a point raised by the HMI report), what message does that send out to the victim and to the thief? I know local residents frequently call our home to speak to my husband even if they do not live within his beat area, the reason is that they know he is available and always willing to speak and help them. My advice to the PCC is simple, with the Chief Constable, have a police constable (PCSO's are transient, they come and go with many looking to use the grade as a stepping stone for the Police), who is dedicated to a rural beat area, keep them there and make that officer responsible for crime deemed as low level, allow them to use the resources of PCSO's and other agencies to reduce anti social behaviour, in basic terms give the officer 'ownership of that area', allow him/her to police the area in accordance with the wishes of that community as to how it is policed, use their priorities. If that was done you will see the satisfaction rate go sky- high as it was here in this area of the County before being destroyed. I urge you - give the rural communities what they want and what they are happy to pay for.

4. What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime?

Rural crime is on the increase, it is hugely under reported or classified by the Police. The fear of crime is very real within the farming community and isolation is felt by many residents of all ages. Nationally, the National Rural Crime Survey (NRCN), stated that more than one in four (27%) did not report the last crime of which they were a victim. This means Home Office figures of 294,000 rural crimes between April 2014 and May 2015 could be incorrect and the actual number of crimes could be as high as 403,000. It also stated that just 39% of rural people rate the police as good (32.4%) or excellent (6.3%). Among rural businesses this figure was just 32%. Those figures compare to 63% nationally who think the police is doing a good job (53% Good and 10% Excellent). The rural area's do not have the CCTV, population and other advantages of urban areas in which criminality is seen and reported. The rural communities honestly feel let down by the Police of who they do not see, of who they can not contact direct. The intelligence provided by residents is wonderful but if they have no one to pass it on to they will not bother and the Police and the public lose out, the winners are the criminals. In this area and I accept my husband is unique but he makes himself available to answer calls, the residents have a direct contact details and can call or leave a message which is returned as soon as possible, from this he retains their support and they know that they have a first point of call someone who is interested and willing to help them. There is an article in the Annual Policing Report which highlights this style of policing by a former North Yorkshire Police Officer and of the draw backs of reducing the rural police.

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5. What actions do you think should be a priority within the the PCC's new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

First prove that the concerns of the rural communities are important, do this by taking action and not words, one day meetings that take all day reduce the impact, many people I know said they would not attend the PCC's meetings as they could not give up a whole day to attend. The belief within rural communities is that what they have to say and of their concerns frequently go unheard. The rural communities believe and history shows that they are the 'poor relations', it is known that police numbers in the rural areas are lower today than ever before, and yet crime continues to rise. I suggest that the PCC with the Chief Constable together arrange to return back to a dedicated beat system in which a warranted Police Constable has full and complete ownership of that area, the officer can deal with local issues and nip them in the bud before they became larger and both labour and resource intensive problems that impact on that community. The public know who their local officer is and how to contact them.

There is a degree of isolation in rural areas which can leave residents feeling particularly vulnerable. That in itself can have tragic consequences, as the case of Tony Martin in Norfolk in 1999 clearly showed. To make a community feel safe is and should ultimately be the goal of good policing, and good policing comes from the policing with the consent and support of the public. Just because crime in the rural area can sometimes be seen as less dramatic than in urban populated centres, it still has a victim.

6. Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist them with their proactive scrutiny of this topic?

The NRCN website adds that Julia Mulligan, chair of the NRCN > and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said in a report for the organisation, “it is vitally important for the reality of rural crime to be fully acknowledged and acted upon. Its actual scale is clearly much greater than we had previously known; £800m is a big number. The low satisfaction rates also need to be a wake up call for police forces in rural areas and everything should be done to harness the opportunities presented. Good, accessible local policing is central to this and I believe police forces which significantly shrink their local teams in rural areas do so at their peril.”

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Minstead Parish Council

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Nether Wallop Parish Council

Engagement appears to be online only and even this method does not appear effective in notifying the community of local incidents. We do not have any one from the police at our parish council meetings for either councillors or the community to discuss issues relating to our parish of Nether Wallop.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

We have had a spate recently of theft from outbuildings and we have had to chase the police as to a response to these. We are not feeling confident that we are on the police radar.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

Not a priority for the police.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

More police presence at our meetings and a proactive response to incidents.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

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Netley Marsh Parish Council

• Not effective. We have seen no evidence of this taking place. As a parish council, we have had no contact with the PCC on these matters.

2) How well has PCC engaged with residents to help allay their fears of rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime?

• Not seen any evidence of this taking place. • Fear of rural crime is high. • Do you expect us to form vigilante groups to deal with the villains ourselves?

3) Can you identify further examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication?

• No. We want more police officers and action against perpetrators.

4) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime?

• Good at emergency response to an incident. • Poor at follow up and collection of evidence from crime scenes. • We feel there is a lack of priority in committing resources to rural crime.

What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

• Allocate more resources to local police teams.

5) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

• Burglaries other than dwellings: theft of tools, equipment, plant and machinery and riding tack from outbuildings. • Lack of success in detection of these crimes. • Very poor conviction rate for these offences. (Rural communities are being robbed regularly and at will by criminals who stand very little chance of ever being caught or convicted).

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6) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

• Target those committing rural burglaries. • Put more resources into local intelligence officers to identify those active in committing rural burglaries. • Increase resources to attend crime scenes and collect forensic evidence after rural burglaries. (If police do not do this, chances of successful convictions are dramatically reduced). • Lack of convictions leads to repeat offending which results in the epidemic of this type of crime we see today.

7) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

• Reduce expenditure on surveys like this and the office of the PCC, which is an extra and costly layer of management, and instead put the money saved into employing more policemen and women to fight crime.

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Newnham Parish Council

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

It has to be a good thing that forces start merging resources between counties so they have the same computer systems, share resources and information. But this needs to be achieved without losing local interaction and knowledge, ‘hearts and minds’. Newnham’s local police officer attends our meetings and emails us when there are incidents, allowing us to communicate to the residents via social media, allowing the public to assist in looking out for suspicious vehicles etc. Any new policing structure should enable those such as [Police Officer Name] who provide good practice and effective policing to continue to work within it. Where rural policing is evidenced by so many to be working effectively then this is a lot to lose and very hard to replace.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? See 3 above

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5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? See 3 above

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

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Oakley and Deane Parish Council

1. How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in encouraging partners to work together and share information, where possible, to help prevent rural crime? Can you identify any opportunities for further partnership working in the future? It is really important to us that the Police, the PCSO and CSPO teams work together, to help us with the kind of issues we face. It has improved but it could be better. Also, neighbourhood watch could be more involved - not just by sending emails. 2. How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication? We pass on emails to community groups etc advising of things to be aware of, but in our village we have had a lot of vandalism lately and residents tell us that they don't feel it is taken seriously enough. 3. How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level? I imagine every one will say that more police presence is needed but the reality of budget constraints impacts what is possible. But when we are having issues, as we have had recently, with much increased petty vandalism ( and some not so petty), extra patrols, and more ' door knocking' really would help. Our PCSO is really good and does come out to us as much as he can but he is very stretched. 4. What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime? Many of our residents are elderly, and may live alone - robbery, car crime, distraction burglary etc all make residents feel less comfortable and secure. 5. What actions do you think should be a priority within the the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? Focus on getting to know people in the villages - people DO know what is going on, but they are reluctant to get involved. If they had a familiar face to speak to, they may be more willing to pass on information. 6. Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist them with their proactive scrutiny of this topic?

Agenda Item 7 Appendix Two

Penton Mewsey Parish Council

Key Questions: Suggested Responses:

1. How effective do you feel the Police Currently, the PCC is concluding a & Crime Commissioner (PCC) and his series of conferences, focusing on rural office have been in fostering a crime across the county. This is as partnership approach to rural crime, much a gathering of feedback from and in encouraging the sharing of interested organisations and individuals information between partners? What as it is a demonstration of what is being opportunities do you feel for greater done by the Police to combat rural engagement? crime. The will is there for greater focus and involvement.

2. How well has the PCC engaged There has been considerable publicity, with residents to help allay their fears through the Neighbourhood Policing of rural crime and encourage local Teams, on how rural communities can communities to take measures to improve their awareness of threats and protect themselves against rural crime? take appropriate security measures Can you identify further examples of against them. The Alert process how the PCC might enhance this seems to be working well, but 101 is communication? still not as user friendly as it could be.

3. How effective and efficient is the Hampshire has been negatively current policing response to rural affected by the Government Policing crime? What role could the PCC take, funding formula, which is currently at a strategic level, to support any based on population and not improvements to this approach? geographical area. The PCC can fight for this to be changed which will focus more funds to rural policing.

4. What would you identify as being Fly tipping & littering the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? Unoccupied buildings and machinery theft

Cyber crime

Unsolicited calling (physical + telephone)

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5. What do you think should be the More training of police officers in priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his awareness of rural environment. Too few officers have any real new Rural Crime Strategy for understanding of the effect of rural Hampshire & IOW? crime on those who live and work in the countryside.

6. Is there anything further that you The PCC could encourage more active can provide to the Panel that will assist engagement by rural communities to us with our proactive scrutiny of this facilitate better awareness of the more topic? vulnerable and how to safeguard them.

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Petersfield Town Council

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Ringwood Town Council

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Shedfield Parish Council

Shedfield Parish Council would like to record the active engagement shown by our PCSO, [PSCO Name].

[PCSO Name] is always willing to assist us in any way she can and has regularly been approached for advice and offered to visit areas of concern to show a police presence. [PCSO Name] attends Parish Council meetings when she can so that two-way conversation/concerns can be aired and has on occasion changed shift to be able to do so. Her position is a vital resource to help us, often ensuring issues are resolved at a local level.

Agenda Item 7 Appendix Two

Southampton City Council

Thank you for your letter dated 3rd February 2017, inviting Southampton City Council to respond to the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel request for evidence on Rural Crime.

Southampton City Council is a Unitary Local Authority, representing a busy port city of 247,569 people. The council works closely with partners in the city to address crime and anti-social behaviour issues through the Safe City Partnership, and the Partnership in turn has a positive relationship with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Southampton is classed as an urban area (City and Town) with no rural population according to the 2011 Rural-Urban Classification of Local Authority Districts. Therefore, rural crime is not an issue which directly affects the city and we are not able to provide comment on the questions posed in the request for written evidence.

However, Southampton does neighbour predominantly rural areas such as the New Forest, and we welcome any opportunities for further collaboration on crime issues across the region.

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Test Valley Borough Council

Rural crime is a key priority for the Test Valley Partnership. Significant engagement work has been undertaken over the past year by the Test Valley Partnership to promote and encourage rural crime prevention, reassurance and address perceptions of crime in the local area, in particular with older / vulnerable members of the rural communities.

To date we have yet to have any engagement with the current PCC on the specific matter of Rural Crime. However, we are aware that the PCC has organised a series of Rural Crime Conferences in the near future and will be attending these to learn more of the PCCs plans.

The lack of available data and analytical resource in this area has a significant impact upon the early identification of issues and trends.

I have no evidence on which to comment on this question. Other than the planned rural crime conferences, I am unaware of measures taken by the current PCC to engage with rural residents across rural Test Valley on this matter.

3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime?

Burglary (Dwelling and Non-Dwelling), and the perceptions of crime have been identified as key local rural concerns.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW?

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As 4) plus any relevant outcomes from the upcoming Rural Crime Conferences. Increased engagement, and support with data and analytical information between the OPCC with partner agencies would also be welcomed.

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Upton Grey Parish Council

Upton Grey Parish Council represents residents in the rural parish of Upton Grey in the north-east of Hampshire. Following discussion of the above Hampshire Police and Crime Panel invitation at the meeting on Thursday 16th March, Upton Grey Parish Council would like to make the following response.

1. How effective do you feel the PCC and his office have been in encouraging partners to work together and share information, where possible, to help prevent rural crime? Can you identify any opportunities for further partnership working in the future? Little or no effectiveness. The Parish Council has not received any communications on this and is not aware of any partnership working. This is a missed opportunity. It is recommended that the PCC improves contact with Parish Councils and includes them in partnerships. 2. How well has the PCC communicated with local residents to help alleviate concerns relating to rural crime and encourage local communities to take measures to protect themselves against rural crime? Can you give examples of how the PCC might enhance this communication? Again the Parish Council is not aware of any communication with residents. There is a perception that the PCC does not value what the rural parishes consider of value.For example, in discussions regarding the potential need for funding for vehicle provision etc., the reasons given to reduce funding did not seem to be well explained given the precedents given elsewhere. Improvements both in communication and the addressing of rural issues are essential. 3. How effective do you feel the current policing response is to rural crime? What feedback would you give to the PCC to which would enable him to support any improvements to this approach at a strategic level? The Parish Council considers that the guaranteed deployment of a rural beat officer with both enforcement and community engagement responsibility is essential for effective policing in rural areas. The low population in rural communities means that individuals who report crime are more at risk from reprisal as they are isolated and readily identifiable. Witnesses are deterred from reporting crime unless they are familiar with and confident in the individual they are making contact with.Reporting of crime in a rural area also only works when the receiving officer knows the area and can recognise the locations being referred to. The value of a familiar, approachable face with a track record in effective policing the area should not be under-estimated, both to confidence building in the local police response and making the community feel safe. There is increasing concern that the excessive area of the rural beat is undermining the policing response. This is not only with respect to the logistics of one individual covering such a large area but also as it reduces the contact with residents and

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means an unmanageable number of queries are received. The area needs to be reduced and done so by increasing the number of local beat constables rather than dividing area or roles using police officers from outside the area/police and community support officers. 4. What are your key concerns in relation to rural crime? The targeting of agricultural equipment;poaching and associated crop damage; burglary; isolated location of potential victims. 5. What actions do you think should be a priority within the the PCC’s new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? Increasing the number of local beat constables with rural knowledge. 6. Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist them with their proactive scrutiny of this topic? There is no point having a plan for rural policing if it is not done by police officers who understand the area and locations, and country habits and pursuits.

Agenda Item 7 Appendix Two

Winchester Community Safety Partnership

The PCC has taken a proactive approach to partnership working and bringing together those who have an interest in rural crime e.g. the Rural Crime Forum. In addition the Rural Conference held in February also served to foster stronger links with the farming community, gamekeepers and district representatives.

Rural parish meetings are also a good source of contact and maybe the OPCC could consider requesting an agenda item at the Annual District Associations to table the wider issues related to Rural Crime e.g. domestic abuse.

The rural conference held in February, was attended by representatives of Winchester District. As is often the case, events/forums organised on a larger scale are attended by those who already have an awareness of the issues and in most cases are advocates of partnership working.

It is important that the PCC reflects the unique nature of rural communities when organising events, taking into account seasonal responsibilities which may otherwise exclude individuals and representative groups from attending those events.

Unfortunately, hidden crimes such as child abuse, cyber crime and domestic violence are also areas of concern in rural areas for the partnership. However it is unlikely that the PCC will tap into a target audience of this nature whilst it is still badged under the heading of rural crime. There is still a lot of engagement needed with those from rural communities who feel isolated because of geography or because they are a victim of crime. Unfortunately the current definition of rural crime doesn’t easily fit with the public understanding of what a rural crime is.

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3) How effective and efficient is the current policing response to rural crime? What role could the PCC take, at a strategic level, to support any improvements to this approach?

At the current time the strategic approach to rural crime is based on a definition where all crime committed in a rural area is classified as a rural crime. This doesn’t really give a clear picture of the issues that communities in a rural areas face. The Strategic vision should be based on those specific crimes that affect rural communities, for example Burglaries, Poaching, theft from building/plant/garden furniture etc. This would help to provide a clear picture of where Police resources should be concentrated.

Fostering a wider understanding of the rural community as a whole in relation to how they differ from urban areas with regards to access to their local PCC and Police.

4) What would you identify as being the current key concerns in relation to rural crime? Poaching and Burglary linked to out of county crime groups.

5) What do you think should be the priorities for inclusion by the PCC in his new Rural Crime Strategy for Hampshire and the IOW? Poaching, Burglary linked to Organised Crime groups, Domestic abuse in isolated communities.

6) Is there anything further that you can provide to the Panel that will assist us with our proactive scrutiny of this topic?

It is really important that the PCC take an innovative approach to community engagement if he is to empower rural communities, as well as being sensitive to the needs of that community and recognising that opportunities may change throughout the year, depending on what is happening e.g. Harvest time.

Equally important is the promotion of a greater understanding of rural issues which recognise ‘hidden vulnerability’ within rural communities such as child abuse, cyber crime and domestic abuse, in addition to those most topical. We are looking forward to the PCC leading further partnership discussion on this subject, in order that we can identify how to effectively reach those who are already isolated by geography.