Lib Dems call for action on rural crime levels
Publication of a report shows that rural crime has hit a seven-year high, costing the UK £50m in 2018 and up 12% on the previous year, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:
"These figures only confirm what people in rural areas have known for a long time. As government gets ever more centralised our country areas are increasingly left behind.
Successive policing ministers may have forgotten the countryside but It is clear that the criminals have not. A visible presence from police that understand the needs of rural communities now has to be a priority."
The report, issued by NFU mutual, showed that farms and isolated rural areas were especially at risk.
Prospective Parliamentary candidate Ellen Nicholson said: "Once again it shows how the Conservatives assume they speak for rural areas but sit back and do very little for them, the recent knife point in East Knoyle Wrens shop and post office shows the government must ensure our rural areas are supported in the fight against crime."
Read the Report
https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/ruralcrime/