About Us
Strengthening the Voice of Rural Communities
Founded in 2014, the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) is a membership organisation dedicated to making rural communities safer places to live and work. Our members include Mayors, Deputy Mayors and Police and Crime Commissioners, from across the political spectrum, as well as rural campaigners, academic experts and commercial partners,
Our Purpose
Rural communities are too often overlooked. Many residents and businesses feel unheard, unsupported, and disproportionately affected by crime. The NRCN exists to change that — by giving rural people a strong, unified voice and ensuring their concerns shape national debate and policy.
Our Focus
We work to increase understanding and recognition of the challenges rural areas face, including:
- Machinery and equipment theft
- Domestic abuse in isolated settings
- Illegal poaching and hare coursing
- Waste crime and fly‑tipping
- Prevention of crime against historic buildings and monuments in rural areas
- Protection of our wildlife and endangered species from criminal gangs
But our mission goes beyond tackling crime. We also champion:
- Rural education and awareness
- Support for vulnerable individuals and groups
- Innovation in crime prevention and security technologies
These pillars help build long‑term resilience and safer communities from the ground up.
How We Drive Change
We bring people together, share practical insights, and highlight real‑world experiences through:
- Groundbreaking research into rural crime
- Policy roundtables
- Podcasts
- Webinars
- Collaboration with experts across agriculture, security, law enforcement, and technology
- National Media Reach
Through these platforms, we explore how innovation and partnership can empower rural communities to thrive safely and sustainably.
Influencing Policy and Practice
We actively engage with government and key decision‑makers to strengthen national understanding of rural crime and advocate for the changes needed to better protect rural communities.
What Is Rural Crime?
The NRCN defines rural crime as:
Any crime or incident in a rural area that impacts upon farming, agriculture, wildlife, equine, the environment, heritage assets and any other rural business .
A criminal activity that can take place anywhere, but which possess distinctive characteristics due to specific issues associated with rural communities such as geographical isolation, vulnerability, challenges in rural policing.
Rural Voices
Real Impact
The Growing Network Against Rural Crime.
In Green: PCC and Mayoral Forces champoining safer rural communities with the NRCN
Since 2021 our focus has been on building safer, more confident rural communities in the UK by tackling the causes and consequences of rural crime. Our aim at NRCN is to support and help everyone who lives and works in our rural communities to feel secure, valued, and connected — wherever they are.
For Every Rural Voice One Network
Meet Our Board Members
Our Board is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting by the Network’s members. The Board has responsibility for developing the strategic direction of the Network and its subsequent work programme, which is agreed by the wider membership.
Tim Passmore
Chair PCC Suffolk
Dan Price
PCC Cheshire | Board Member
Jo Coles
Deputy Mayor York & North Yorkshire
Philip Wilkinson
Board Member – PCC Wiltshire & Swindon
Graham Hall
Deputy PCC | Durham
David Sidwick
PCC Dorset
Susan Dungworth
PCC Northumbria
Ellie Vesey-Thompson
Deputy PCC Surrey
Sarah Lee
Countryside Alliance – CA Director of Policy and Campaigns
Lucy Charman
Country Land & Business Association - CLA Rural Advisor
Sam Durham
National Farmers’ Union – NFU Chief Land Management Advisor
Kerry Booth
Rural Services Network – RSN Chief Executive Officer
Rob Taylor QPM
Wales Representative – Rural & Wildlife Police Crime Coordinator
National Rural Crime Network Associate Members
Join the Network Today
The NRCN brings together people who care about rural communities from farmers and policymakers to technology leaders and campaigners. Joining means being part of the UK’s strongest platform for rural safety, innovation, and collaboration.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in rural crime prevention strategies, community initiatives, and upcoming events by subscribing to our newsletter
The National Rural Crime Network champions a better understanding of crime in rural areas, and new, effective ways to help to keep rural communities safe – and make them feel safer too.
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