Rural priorities in focus of new dedicated proactive team

A new dedicated team who specialise in tackling the most important priorities facing rural communities has been launched in Staffordshire.

Around 80 per cent of our force area is considered rural. Staffordshire is home to a number of people, businesses and livelihoods that have different demands to those in urban areas.

What does this change mean for rural communities?

• Specialist officers with local experience in tackling crime which impacts those living within rural areas will be working proactively each and every day across Staffordshire to stop offenders and prevent crime
• We’ll have a better understanding on the needs of rural communities, including agriculture, equine, wildlife and heritage, meaning a better police service across Staffordshire
• Officers can spend more time engaging with rural communities and working with partners to tackle their top priorities, including neighbouring police forces
• Lots of officers outside of the dedicated team have also been given additional training in responding to rural crime, allowing us to respond to these issues more effectively 

Chief Superintendent Emily Clarke, strategic lead for rural crime, said: “Delivering an outstanding police service to communities in Staffordshire will never be a one glove fits all approach. It’s vital that we adapt what we do to ensure we understand the diverse needs of the people we proudly serve on a daily basis, and our rural communities are no different.

“Rural crime has increased by 8.9 per cent this year, and with it, a cost of more than £1.8-million in stolen items. We know that for many farmers and members of the rural community, their business is also their home, so these types of crimes can have a significant effect on people and families. 

“We’ve put a lot of specialist resources and personnel into this new team because we recognise the importance of understanding people’s priorities, and how we can work more effectively to deliver them.”

“This week also marks the first day of the national rural wildlife crime unit’s week of action. Similar enforcement and community engagement will be taking place locally this week, giving the new team a solid base to begin building and making a real difference to rural communities in Staffordshire.”