Rural Matters Rural policing in – a magazine for residents and businesses Summer 2020

In this issue:

Policing coasts and Working as a team Protecting fishing sites countryside

Plus the latest news on rural and environmental policing in Kent Welcome to Rural Matters Latest news

Welcome to Rural Matters. See inside for the latest on the Kent Police Rural Task Force. There are now more officers countywide Fighting crime in the countryside – Rural Crime Strategy 2020-23 dedicated to tackling and preventing crime in the countryside. We’ve the latest news on how these officers, partners and colleagues are working to protect and support Kent’s rural communities. Email [email protected] The Rural Task Force is a dedicated team of specialist police officers who Specific target areas Team Leader Rural Sergeant work in countryside communities • Working to deter and detect fly tipping, hunting with dogs, North Division – 07528 989095 and deal with rural, wildlife, Inspector Sergeant environmental and heritage crime. hare coursing, equine crime, Dave Smith Darren Walshaw environmental, agricultural, wildlife • PC Paul Williams The Kent Police Rural Policing Strategy 07800 675376 07870 252185 and heritage crime and working • PC Adrian Goodsall 2020-23 sets out the aims and objectives of policing rural areas across Kent for with colleagues against other rural • PC Nathan Southern the next three years. Rural Task Force impact offences such as arson and • PC Marc Pennicott North Division Inspector Dave Smith said: ‘We’ve organised criminality. M25 successfully worked alongside rural A2 North Kent • Effective use of appropriate & communities and will continue to do technology such as drones; marine Medway Thanet so to ensure they and their businesses ‘Needs and issues of rural capability; effective partnership M2 are protected from harm and anti- working; innovative problem M20 A228 communities, businesses Swale social behaviour. The team has been solving and an intelligence- A229 A249 M2 Canterbury supported to grow so we have even and the environment are led approach that puts victims M26 A2 more officers out and about acting on first will help deliver effective, M25 & Malling different and our priorities Deal information, supporting local people and accessible and visible policing. West Division Maidstone East Division – 07980 978202 working to keep communities safe. reflect this’

Tonbridge M20 ‘Through good communication and East Division • PC Dan Perry Edenbridge working with residents, farmers, Dover • PC Matt Lehman businesses within rural communities to detect and disrupt criminality. The Ashford businesses, partners and heritage Tunbridge Wells • PC Harry Callaghan sites we intend to enhance our and Kent Police has a responsibility needs and issues of rural communities, Tunbridge Ashford & Wells • PC Michael Sutton to respond to these concerns. We will businesses and the environment are Cranbrook Shepway relationships in order to protect the public, tackle rural criminality and continue to engage with those living different and our priorities reflect this. encourage communities to flourish.’ and working in rural areas to reduce We look forward to our continued work crime and anti-social behaviour and and engagement to support this.’ West Division – 07580 236308 The strategy recognises certain types of crime/incidents are more common • PC Luke Jorden Rural Crime Co-ordinator in rural areas and some offences, Rural Crime Strategy 2020-23 – key aims • PC Tom Smith such as the theft of agricultural • reduce the volume of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) committed in Doug Robertson machinery, are almost uniquely rural. • PC Nick Lingham rural areas • PC Anna Verrall 07972 004578 It also acknowledges that the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour • continue to bring offenders to justice on victims and communities can be • visible and accessible policing greater in rural areas where people • maintain a police and volunteer presence in rural areas More rural contact information, see back page. can feel more isolated or vulnerable. • engage with communities to mitigate the impact of fear of crime caused by isolation Insp Smith added: ‘We recognise that • address road safety and speeding the fear of crime is very real and has • work with businesses around theft (of vehicles and equipment) and its impact Report non-urgent crime online Your rural PCs are a detrimental impact on residents and also on Twitter! Rural Kent factfile Two new members The rural team regularly join Rural Task Go to www.kent.police.uk/report Tweets updates on what Force team they’ve been doing and any • 85 per cent of land in Kent is live incidents. rural, consisting of 234,700ha of farmland and 50,000ha of Follow @kentpolicerural The Rural Task Force team woodland and forestry. for the latest news and has two new officers starting Report a crime, incident or non-injury • Kent has a land area of 1,368 information. work in rural communities. collision in minutes square miles and just over 350 PC Matt Lehman will be miles of coastline. joining colleagues in the East • 457,310 residents live in rural of the county and PC Luke Kent (source: Kent County Jorden is due to take up his Receive your confirmation email and Council Strategic Commissioning new role in the West. reference number immediately Statistical Bulletin 2018 Mid- Find out more about the Year Population Estimates, latest officers to join the October 2019.) dedicated team, see page 9. To remain anonymous contact Kent Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.

2 3 Feature

This is what we do from land to sea – Search and Marine Unit’s operational support to keep coast and county safe

Joint briefing on the water

Inspector Smith added: ‘Kent is such proactively tackle organised crime and a diverse environment to live, work and anti-social behaviour.’ visit with 75 per cent of its area being Unit Sergeant Neil MacAskill said: ‘We classed as rural with over 350 miles of recently took part in a marine exercise coastline and one of the UK’s busiest ports to which we supplied two crews and two providing a gateway to Europe. In order boats, including ‘Invicta’ which enabled to effectively deliver specialist policing us to show effectively what we are ‘Invicta’ is now patrolling coastal areas to rural areas which include coastal and nationally capable of. We were very proud marine communities Kent Police Search to receive some very positive national and Marine Unit engage and work closely recognition and well-deserved praise for ‘Having a specialist Search From supporting policing action against rural and marine with various community stakeholders and the team. and Marine Unit which crime, dealing with coastal incidents or conducting searches in specialist partners. This work includes ‘We regularly offer safe access hazardous environments or helping locate vulnerable missing providing a specialist search function (sometimes via partnership joint working) provides skills and equipment with the ability to locate vulnerable into most otherwise hazardous or people – the specialist Search and Marine Unit is there to help. missing people, gather evidence in inaccessible environments – as well as to enable safe access into major or serious crime investigations and supporting colleagues countywide.’ a variety of sometimes The Kent Police Search and Marine Unit’s The team’s training gives them the The team are trained to work in potentially officers are trained to safely access capability to support colleagues at hazardous environments inaccessible or hazardous hazardous environments such as heights, challenging crime scenes or to help with environments can offer real deep drops, confined spaces, tidal mud the rescue of people in distress around flats, inshore rivers and lakes, chemical or high structures, natural falls or other benefits in search situations other incidents involving non-breathable air. dangerous areas. where timing is crucial.’ The unit recently started operating a Kent Police Search Portfolio Lead, new rigid-hull inflatable boat, ‘Invicta’, to Inspector Dave Smith, said: ‘Having a Search Portfolio Lead, Inspector Dave Smith boost its offshore marine capabilities – specialist Search and Marine Unit which patrolling around 350 miles of coastline provides skills and equipment to enable and tidal estuaries. safe access into a variety of environments The Search and Marine Unit team also inaccessible or hazardous to other officers work closely in both specialist search and can offer real benefits on land and in the marine incidents with partner agencies marine environment.’ including the Maritime and Coastguard The officers in the unit have a variety Agency, Border Agency, Port Authorities of specialist skills and accreditation, both (, Medway, and Dover), marine – vessel, navigation and marine Environment Agency, Kent Fire and advice such as tides and sea conditions – Rescue Service and KSAR (Kent Search and in a number of search environments, and Rescue volunteers), marine groups such as mud, embankments, fast water, and coastal communities, neighbouring locks and weirs, evidence gathering and Search and Marine Unit officers have forces and national partners. forensic recovery. completed specialist training such as working at heights or confined spaces

4 5 Latest news My role

Equine equipment thefts – keep your property safe Can you help? Working with the Rural Task Force – PC Anna Verrall

Trailers, carriages, riding tack, saddles and other What is the Rural Task Force? equipment are being targeted The Rural Task Force is made up of 12 PCs, by thieves in rural areas. one sergeant and one RTF co-ordinator. In May Kent Police received We offer daily coverage countywide across 23 reports of equipment the three county Divisions. being stolen at rural locations including Cranbrook, Marden, Where are you based? , Sevenoaks We don’t have a dedicated office, we and . work out of , Faversham and There were also two . offences in Sittingbourne and others in Faversham, What made you decide to and . become a rural officer? Six men have been arrested Wood chipper stolen so far on suspicion of from wildlife charity I started my career at Maidstone in burglary and going equipped 2003 and worked locally and in national to steal and an investigation Security mark important items such as tack and saddles A wood chipper valued at operations and deployments before I joined by the ’s £18,000 was stolen from the the Rural Task Force in 2018 following Kent Crime Squad is continuing. impact this type of crime identified a vulnerability. That Kent Wildlife Trust, Sandling. Police’s expansion in rural policing. Officers from the Rural has on victims and are means there are measures Chains were cut to get Task Force are also working committed to preventing owners can take which in and police are seeking I wanted a new challenge and felt that as closely with partner further instances occurring. can reduce their chances information about a crew cab a horse owner for over 30 years, I could agencies, including Kent Rural crime is very seasonal, of being targeted. I would 4x4 with three men on board use my equine knowledge within the Horse Watch, to share and we are at a time of encourage those with horses, in relation to the theft. expanding team. The challenge of learning safety advice and offer to the year where we know or anyone who stores items completely new legislation and working security mark saddles. thieves target outbuildings, in outbuildings, to bear in with partner agencies appealed to me. Rural Task Force Sergeant like stables. Most offenders mind the following advice and Darren Walshaw, said: ‘We are opportunistic and will take reasonable precautions What does your job involve? do not underestimate the target a site where they have to protect their property.’ We proactively cover wide and varied crime strands affecting those living and Safety advice... working in the rural community – theft of farm equipment, hare coursing, Protecting equipment: poaching, wildlife, environment and Historic cattle trough theft heritage crime. We work alongside local Vehicles or plant kept outside should be locked A cast iron cattle trough which and specialist police teams targeting with their keys stored in a safe. Also consider had been at a farm in East Organised Crime Groups that cause fitting them with wheel clamps, ground Kent since 1909 was stolen. most harm. A lot of our wildlife work anchors or hitch locks. Around eight feet long and is specialist and complex and covers PC Anna Verrall, Rural Task Force Security-mark important items, including two feet wide it would have habitat destruction and protection of vehicles. The mark should be unique, in a taken five or six people to native and endangered species. Whats App messaging group FarmWatch. at the forefront, building an intelligence non-obvious place and include owner’s post This is split into Divisions and enables picture around active organised crime lift it persons to lift it. Some of our police investigations require code and house name or number. police and rural community members to groups and rural offenders. Being visible The Rural Task Force is the support of specialist groups, charities Photograph items, including identifying marks. effectively share information and respond and accessible gives communities the Keep vehicles and trailers safe against investigating two suspicious and Government bodies to provide Keep them somewhere safe along with details to incidents. This is often quick time encouragement to report crime. opportunist thieves vehicles after the victim direction and assist in gathering evidence including serial, chassis and model numbers. intelligence we can work on to intercept posted the theft on the and prosecutions. offenders and target criminals and What is the best part of your job? Keep land, and buildings, secure: village Facebook site. RTF work is seasonal, and criminals vehicles involved. Working in a committed team. We all • Land owners should check the perimeter and make sure boundaries are as secure as possible. will change their behaviour as seasons have the same drive and motivation and Do you have information • If possible, remove any access points that are no longer used and establish a single gated change. We work closely with colleagues How does your job fit within use that to our strength and we’re all entrance and exit. about a crime? from other policing departments and friends. I enjoy working with outside neighbouring forces to help us target the policing in Kent? • Consider installing an entry control system, such as an intercom or keypad entry. Calls to the independent charity agencies – whether it’s a borough council Crimestoppers are anonymous. right people and locations. We advise We support the Kent Police Rural Policing with fly tipping operations or an RSPCA • Natural boundaries – thorny hedges or deep ditches – help restrict access by people or vehicles. You can call 0800 555 111 or victims in crime prevention and look at Strategy – this is a three-year plan to special ops unit with animal cruelty cases. • Use good quality padlocks with covers so they can’t be cut off easily. use the anonymous online form any areas where criminals could take set out our objectives in line with Kent Using powers under what may seem Police missions, and framework. The • Use locking posts or temporary obstructions to control wide access points to yards. at Crimestoppers-uk.org advantage. Each Division has a contact obscure legislation can often be used to number available online. We also run the objective is putting rural communities • Keep doors and windows shut and locked when not in use. our benefit targeting offenders.

6 7 County news

Agricultural workers – joint welfare visits to farms and businesses in Kent Introducing new PCs joining the Rural Task Force

Officers from the Gangmasters were identified and all Modern Slavery and Human PC Matt Lehman at Kent ports, however our networks and will bring and Labour Abuse Authority workers said that they were Trafficking team said: ‘We main role was proactive my in-depth knowledge (GLAA) and Kent Police’s happy with their conditions. have an excellent working ‘I’m joining the Rural Task policing tactics to suppress surrounding organised Modern Slavery and Human Workers spoken to were relationship with the GLAA. Force after 20 years’ service. violence and crime. I’ll be criminality to the team. Trafficking Unit have spoken predominantly Eastern Although the vast majority I’ve been fortunate in being bringing six years previous Listening carefully to the to around 300 agricultural European, with some British. of organisations in Kent part of many proactive rural policing experience concerns of the community workers across the county Over recent months, the employ reputable firms to operational teams supporting and seven years’ experience and acting on information while carrying out welfare GLAA has written to all ensure their workers are well Kent Police and national on Kent Police’s divisional provided is something I truly and visibility checks during agricultural labour sites in looked after, we do not take policing objectives. public order and search understand – this is paramount the Covid-19 situation. the south of England to anything for granted and are I grew up in the countryside support units to the team. to the success of any police They visited nine businesses ensure that they are receiving always keen to demonstrate who suspects it may be near Canterbury. I joined Kent In the past five years officer and the benefits of incorporating more than support and treating their that we are here for those happening in their town Police in July 2000 based from I’ve worked within the working with the public and 20 sites across three workers fairly during the workers if they need us. or village to contact us.’ Dover, where I’ve planned and Kent and Essex Serious partner agencies are clear. weeks in June and July. coronavirus restrictions. ‘The agricultural industry Call the GLAA’s intelligence delivered many operations Crime Directorate providing I’ll be seeking to forge great Around 1,000 workers The GLAA will continue is one that can be prone to team on 0800 4320804 including targeting nuisance intelligence support to various working relationships across to follow. I see this role as were observed within their to visit farms to check abuse by human traffickers, or email intelligence@ off road vehicles, poaching high profile cases, supporting the rural communities we ever evolving, where I will be working environments, which on workers’ welfare and which is why operations of gla.gov.uk and modern day slavery. large scale investigations serve and I’m passionate using the latest technology to included fruit picking farms, provide guidance to the this kind are so important. Alternatively, call the police I’ve also been involved in into the supply of Class A about the conservation of our prevent and detect crime and vegetable producers, vineyards industry as it continues to Tackling this type of offending on 101, the Modern Slavery policing football matches drugs via county lines and countryside, wanting to see I’m thrilled to be serving the and packing factories. respond to the pandemic. is a priority for police forces Helpline on 08000 121 700 or and animal rights protests dismantling their support it preserved for generations rural communities of Kent.’ No modern slavery or Detective Sergeant Stacey up and down the country, Crimestoppers anonymously labour exploitation offences Chapman of Kent Police’s and we encourage anyone on 0800 555 111. PC Luke Jorden was the last dairy farmer in I’ve been a PC in Tonbridge Peckham, London, in the late and Tunbridge Wells districts ‘Being part of Kent Police’s 1970s before relocating to for the past four years Keep contacting Farm Watch Respect farmers land when out and about Rural Task Force is a role a cattle farm in West Kent and prior to this I was a WhatsApp I have steered my career which was operational until Designated Detention Officer towards so I can have the only a couple years ago. for a further two years based Farmers and landowners are urging best opportunity to be able to I have been incredibly out of Tonbridge custody. Online messaging system Farm Watch people to respect their property and take serve and protect members of fortunate to have grown up I enjoy meeting people WhatsApp has now been expanded greater care in the countryside after the the rural community, a group with the farming lifestyle and welcome any ideas, across the county. Covid-19 lockdown has seen an increase I hold close to my heart. and I am excited to now information and advice The scheme for fast time sharing of in people out enjoying rural walks and My interest in the rural be working in and among a that may be able to assist information between the Rural Task Force visits to beauty spots. environment and communities community I am passionate us in our common goal of and the community has proved successful Rural Task Force Sergeant Darren comes from my family about and have a personal making rural Kent a safer in recovering stolen property, vehicles Walshaw said: ‘This has led to some background. My grandfather attachment with. place to live and work.’ and farm machinery and helping police issues with landowners – the most deal with crime as it is reported. common ones being farmers experiencing Rural Task Force Sergeant Darren high levels of trespass, gates being Operation Sealion – illegal shellfish harvesting Walshaw said: ‘Farm Watch WhatsApp smashed open, left open, locks broken, continues to be a valuable asset with all and farm tracks blocked. groups developing well. We’ve already had ‘During the hot weather people were Rural Task Force officers were collecting the shellfish the past three weeks of large some great results with arrests and stolen drawn to swim in reservoirs and so broke have been working with for personal consumption but groups on the beaches across property being recovered. If anyone would into farmland to do this. This should be Environmental Officers around the quantities suggested a Sheppey harvesting shellfish like to join please email the team.’ discouraged due to extremely deep water. the illegal harvesting of commercial purpose. They on a commercial scale. [email protected] People are having picnics on farmland, shellfish on the Kent shoreline. were warned they face ‘The intention is for the leaving their rubbish behind, livestock will There have been reports of prosecution if they are caught partnership approach through also eat litter which can harm or kill them.’ activity including removing again. Rural Task Force Op Sealion to be planned cockles on the Isle of Sergeant Darren Walshaw regularly until this activity Farm Watch WhatsApp is a tool to Please remember the country code: Sheppey. Officers attended said: ‘On 12 June and 24 June stops. Our team made use of and details of those involved our officers were involved in their drone to identify where share information directly with • Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work in suspected illegal activity joint operations on the Isle of the offences were taken the Rural Task Force team and not to • Guard against all risk of fire passed to prosecuting agency, Sheppey to deal with offences place along the beach.’ be used to report crime. • Leave all gates as you found them Any crimes should be reported in the Inshore Fisheries Conservation relating to the removal of Other Partners attending • Keep pets under close control usual way; 999 if a crime is in progress Authority (IFCA). Harvested shellfish, primarily cockles, were GLAA, IFCA and • Keep to public paths across farmland or 101 and online if non-urgent and cockles are returned to the sea. from the coastline. This was Environmental Health Mid Kent. don’t forget the Country Eye App. • Use gates and stiles to cross fences, hedges and walls In an incident at to address the numerous Three people were arrested • Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone hamlet suspects claimed they reports to Kent Police over for immigration offences.

8 9 County news

Livestock attacks latest Operation Traverse – illegal fishing patrols and action Teams work together against cross border crime

Dogs shot The Covid-19 lockdown has seen an The Kent Rural Task Force Two dogs seen by a shepherd and increase in reports of fish poaching. recently supported Sussex landowner chasing and biting sheep The Rural Task Force regularly works Police’s Rural Policing Team on grassland at were with partner agencies to tackle the issue and Neighbourhood Team in shot. Three sheep were injured. and is strongly supported in Operation a cross-border operation to The dogs were identified and the Traverse action by the Rural Special target Organised Crime Group local owner informed by the Rural Constabulary team. theft and burglary offences Task Force. In early June they carried out weekend between the two counties. foot patrols and searches at various sites. Sussex has seen an increase Goat killed These included: in thefts from farms of quad A husky type dog seen attacking goats • Castle bikes. Routes were patrolled between the two counties and was captured at the scene. A goat was • River Teise, near several vehicles were stopped. killed and DNA swabs taken. • Shoreham Road leading to Lullingstone The dog was identified as a repeat Country Park offender. The owner agreed to • Mote Park recreation ground, Maidstone muzzle the dog when out. A court • Medway Valley fisheries, Castle Lake Keep property safe in summer temperatures case is ongoing. • Singleton Lake, Bucksford Lane, Ashford Other areas affected included fish stolen As temperatures start to rise, people aware of the risks. from a private Southern Water site, so do the chances of criminals ‘It only takes a few minutes Recent cases include: Argent Road, . Working targeting properties with open when you’re in your garden Whitfield near Dover– cash was stolen from a wallet with local policing team colleagues a windows and insecure doors. for someone to climb through inside the home of a victim who had been gardening at the number of people – most who’d come to Following a number of an open window and steal front of the house. The suspect is thought to have entered the site from outside the county, including recent burglaries, Kent Police your belongings. Doors should through a patio door at the back of the property. Luton – had their details taken for follow and economy. It is becoming increasingly is reminding people of simple never be left unlocked if you up action by the Environment Agency. , Ashford – the resident was in the front recognised that individuals involved in steps to keep property safe. plan to spend the day outside. Signs have now been put up at garden during the afternoon and when they returned to the poaching activity are often engaged Detective Chief Inspector ‘We certainly don’t want numerous locations warning about illegal house, found drawers and cupboards ransacked and money in a much wider range of criminality Lopa McDermott, who leads to cause alarm, and no one fishing at the site. and jewellery missing. and therefore of interest to various the Kent Chief Constable’s should feel unsafe in their Special Sergeant Scott Dawson said: – a van was reported stolen from outside a enforcement agencies. Crime Squad, said: ‘It is only home, however it is important ‘Our recent all out weekend focusing on home after the keys were taken from inside the house. ‘Kent Police receives a number of natural that people should want that we ask the public to take Op Traverse saw good proactive visibility calls throughout the year in relation to to open their windows and extra precautions while we do Rochester area – a designer bag, purse containing cards Photo by Russell Miles and presence around certain areas with illegal fishing on both open and private doors to keep cool when the everything within our power to and cash, phone and iPad were stolen while the victim was stop checks carried out where required.’ waterways – this involves the taking of temperatures are high but it is protect people and seek those asleep upstairs. The offender is thought to have entered Rural Task Force Sergeant Darren Hare coursing – court action fish and also the killing of swans and also important that we make responsible for such crimes.’ through an insecure door. Walshaw said: ‘Fishing clubs and other river birds. Poaching, whether or members of the public are becoming not fish are actually taken, is covered increasingly concerned about the by the Theft Act 1968 and is therefore a As the harvest is approaching the Crime prevention tips: Rural Task Force team are preparing destruction of fish stocks and the affect matter for the police. Kent Police Rural for an increase in reports of hare this has on both the ecology of the Task Force have received training from • Lock doors and windows at night and during the day (even if you are just popping upstairs for something). coursing activity. countryside and also the tourist industry the Angling Trust in relation to fish crime.’ • Lock back doors and windows when you answer the front door. Some burglars use distraction techniques. Rural Task Force Sergeant Darren • Consider fitting extra security measures such as spy holes, door chains, door locks and intruder alarms or CCTV covering the Walshaw said: ‘The team have several front and back of your property. court cases pending from incidents Soft fruit thefts – £1,600 worth stolen • Keep receipts and serial numbers safe. from last season where we hope to get convictions and criminal behaviour • Photograph and insure expensive or unique items. orders granted. This will have an Seasonal soft fruit thefts have been wanted some strawberries to eat. • Don’t keep valuables on display, consider installing a safe that could be bolted to the ground or wall or use a safety deposit impact on those caught re-offending reported to the Rural Task Force team At another farm in the Faversham area box at your bank. this season.’ since the start of the summer. staff chased off a Black Range Rover • Use timer switches on lights and radios to make your home look occupied. Under Op Gallileo, the national In one incident in the Rochester area from their raspberry section which was • Keep gates, boundaries, outbuildings and sheds secure. operation against hare coursing, the £1,600 worth of strawberries were seen with a number of occupants and team are planning dedicated patrols stolen and the offenders disturbed. An doors and boot open. • Lock away bikes, tools, equipment and garden items that could be taken or used to break into your home. and ask farmers, landowners and investigation is ongoing. Rural Sergeant Darren Walshaw • Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside under pots or in garages. rural communities to report incidents Another incident near Tonge was said: ‘Thefts of soft fruit can cause • Think before posting holiday pictures on social media as it can make burglars aware the house is empty. and any suspicious vehicles or resolved with a Community Resolution real financial hardship for growers. We • Keep outside spaces and gardens tidy and pruned to remove good hiding places for burglars and install security lights. behaviour. There are plans for more and £50 paid back to the owner after encourage them to report details of any national activity in the coming weeks. a man identified as a suspect said he’d suspicious vehicles to us.’ • Cancel milk or other deliveries when you’re away and make sure grass is cut so a property doesn’t appear unoccupied.

10 11 Partnerships

Rural team working with partners to protect rural communities

Farm machinery targeted – keep it secure

Theft of machinery and other items from rural locations continues to be reported. The Rural Task Force are reminding farmers, landowners and rural property owners to regularly review their security • Ensure sheds/ barns are locked and thoroughly secure when not in use. • Remember to record and mark all property serial numbers so these can be passed to the police if you become a victim of crime. Do you have information about a crime? Calls to the independent charity Crimestoppers are anonymous. You can call The team use their expertise to support Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, PCSOs or 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous core response officers. The team are all fully trained Wildlife Crime Officers. online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Key partners working with Kent Police to keep rural communities safe

Crime Rural Advisory Group – CRAG formed in 2012, brings together main rural stakeholders, including the National Farmers Union and Country Land & Business Association – representing a large percentage of land occupancy countywide. They bring their own insights to CRAG to help keep Kent Police informed on ever-changing issues in rural Kent. www.btfpartnership.co.uk email: [email protected] phone: Michael Bax 01233 740077 Kent Association of Local Councils – KALC is a not for profit membership organisation serving member parish and town councils and parish meetings in Kent and Medway. It offers training, advice and services to member councils. KLAC works with rural officers to disseminate information on their behalf, and to gather crime information from towns and parishes. www.kentalc.gov.uk email: [email protected] phone: 01304 820173 National Farmers Union – The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members. Around 70 per cent of full time farmers are NFU members. They aim to support Kent Police to engage with members’ extensive local knowledge, working in partnership with CRAG and other stake holder organisations. www.nfuonline.com email: [email protected] phone: 01730 711950 Kent Fire and Rescue Service – KFRS is responsible for delivering fire and rescue services to more than 1.7 million people. Each year fire officers deal with around 16,500 incidents including road crashes, house and barn fires and more than 2,400 non-fire rescues. KFRS works with the Kent Police, NFU, and CRAG to provide safety and risk reduction advice to support the agricultural business community. www.kent.fire-uk.org email: [email protected] phone: 01622 692121 Historic England – Historic England is a public body which looks after England’s historic environment. There are over 400,000 protected sites and buildings in England and Historic England works across a range of partnership to prevent the loss and damage to our shared cultural heritage. Former Kent police officer Mark Harrison advises the organisation and works closely with rural officers and CRAG. www.historicengland.org.uk email: [email protected] phone: 01483 252020 Country Land and Business Association – The CLA is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales and has been safeguarding the interests of landowners, and those with an economic, social and environmental interest in rural land for more than 112 years. The CLA South East Office works closely with Kent Police to help achieve these aims. www.cla.org.uk email: [email protected] phone: 01264 313434