Annual Report 2024
Chairman's Address
Tim Passmore
Chair of the NRCN
Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk
Renewed Commitment to Tackling Rural Crime
This year has been one of tremendous progress and achievement in our mission to raise the profile of rural crime and its impact on rural communities. Throughout 2024, we have seen how collaboration and visibility can drive real change. The enthusiasm and energy around Rural Crime Action Week highlighted the importance of bringing together all voices—those of Police and Crime Commissioners (contributed videos to raise awareness), local communities, and rural crime specialists.
A special thanks to the Countryside Alliance for co-hosting the highly successful MP drop in event at Parliament. I also want to thank Rob Taylor for his continued work on new legislation to tackle the issue of livestock attacks, and we will work together next year to ensure that his hard work finally becomes law. A huge thank you to all our partners and associate members for their continued work in campaigning to raise important issues such as fly-tipping, heritage crime, machinery and tool theft, livestock crimes and domestic abuse in rural communities.
We owe our progress to the ongoing support of our members, associate members, and partners, and we look forward to further collaboration in 2025. In the year ahead, we are set out to build on these efforts, take more action on key issues, and push forward with new policies that make a real impact.
You can find more information about our work in 2024 and what we have planned for 2025 in this annual report.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Our Campaign Partners & Members
None of these would be possible without the continued support of our members, partners, and associate members. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed to our work in 2024.
NRCN Board 2024
We are grateful to the new board members as a part of our experienced group of expert campaigners, as we collaborate to shape the strategic direction and priorities for 2025 and beyond
Police and Crime Commissioner Members
Partner Board Members
Notable Milestones from 2024
- OCG Rural Crime Report 2024
- New Website Launch and social media engagement
- 10-Point Plan Launch
- Dr Kate Tudor on BBC Radio Farming Today
- ITV News: Tim Passmore’s Interview
- Rural Crime and Anti-social behaviour Article in Resolve Magazine
- Rural Crime Action Week 2024
- Police and Crime Commissioners’ Videos During the Action Week
- NRCN & Countryside Alliance: Rural Crime Drop-In Event at Parliament
- Rob Taylor on Farmers Guardian Podcast
- ASB Week Parliamentary Launch
- Roundtable Conference
- ASB Webinar
Key Publications and Strategic Insights
Rural Crime Report 2024
NRCN unveiled its groundbreaking report, "Rural Crime: Serious Organised and International," marking a significant step forward in tackling organised crime in rural communities. Led by Dr. Kate Tudor, this comprehensive study challenges outdated perceptions of rural crime, uncovering its deep links to wider organised criminal networks.
10-Point Plan Launch
We released our comprehensive 10-point action plan, designed to address the pressing challenges posed by Organised Crime Gangs (OCGs) in rural areas. Key actions include strengthening collaboration between law enforcement agencies, optimising resource allocation, establishing specialised committees, and leveraging innovative technological solutions.
Events and Campaigns
Rural Crime Action Week 2024
National Rural Crime Action Week 2024 took place from 21st to 25th October, with a focused effort to raise awareness about the serious, organised, and international nature of rural crime. The week also featured resources for attendees, including a comprehensive campaign pack and collateral, aimed at raising awareness and supporting the efforts to reduce rural crime.
ASB Week Parliamentary Launch
The Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week 2024 parliamentary launch, organised by RESOLVE ASB, saw Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson MP outline the Government’s plans to tackle anti-social behaviour. Attended by NRCN Chair Tim Passmore and board member Ellie Vesey Thompson, the event sparked important discussions on addressing crime and anti-social behaviour in rural communities.
Rural Crime Drop-In Event at Parliament
The Rural Crime drop-in event at Parliament, organised by the National Rural Crime Network and Countryside Alliance, saw a fantastic turnout last week. Over 70 MPs from across the political spectrum attended, demonstrating strong support for their rural communities in the ongoing fight against rural crime.
Rural and Heritage Crime Roundtable
The NRCN, in partnership with Historic England, hosted a Rural and Heritage Crime Roundtable during Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week. The event brought together over 30 PCC officers, key partners, and experts to discuss priorities, align government policy, and develop actionable solutions to tackle rural and heritage crime. Insights shared will help shape future policies and campaigns in this critical area.
Media Spotlight and Thought Leadership
Kate Tudor on BBC Radio Farming Today
Dr Kate Tudor, the author and researcher behind our report on ‘Rural Crime: Serious Organised and International’, provided valuable insights into the findings of the report. During her appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today, Dr Tudor discussed not only the key findings but also addressed several misconceptions surrounding rural crime.
ITV News: Tim Passmore’s Interview
Tim Passmore, Chair of the NRCN, was featured in a recent ITV News segment where he discussed the alarming rise in agricultural vehicle thefts across rural communities. In the interview, Tim called for a stronger police presence in rural areas and emphasised the need for farmers to have access to more effective security measures, including GPS tracking, forensic marking for equipment, and improved fencing.
Stuart Hand in Resolve Magazine
Stuart Hand, Head of Campaign and Policy at NRCN, contributed an insightful article to the latest edition of Resolution magazine, published by RESOLVE ASB. His article sheds light on the need for targeted strategies to address the rising concerns of ASB in rural areas, emphasising its direct link to broader issues of rural crime. The NRCN, as a network committed to safeguarding rural communities, expressed its support for RESOLVE’s ongoing efforts to build a future where everyone can feel safe and take pride in where they live.
Rob Taylor on The Farmers Guardian Podcast
Rob Taylor, Wales’ Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator and NRCN board member, featured on The Farmers Guardian Podcast, joining Welsh farmer Clive Jones and Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies for an insightful discussion on the growing issue of livestock worrying. Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasised the urgent need to address this issue, not only for the welfare of animals but also for the livelihood of farmers.
Digital Innovations and Virtual Initiatives
New Website Launch
NRCN launched its new website, marking a significant step forward in our mission to tackle rural crime and foster safer communities. The newly revamped platform serves as a central hub for valuable resources, updates on key initiatives, and the latest news, all designed to empower and support rural communities.
PCC Videos
During the National Rural Crime Action Week 2024, a series of impactful videos from Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) were showcased, marking a strong start to the event. The PCCs emphasised their role in representing the public’s views on policing, focusing on efforts to create safer, more resilient rural communities. Their insights highlighted the need for tailored, community-focused strategies to effectively combat rural crime.
ASB Webinar
The webinar titled “The Importance of Partnership When Responding to ASB” was a resounding success, kicking off the RESOLVE ASB Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week. The event, held last week, saw nearly 200 attendees join the National Rural Crime Network, Historic England, and Sevenoaks District Council to explore the crucial role of partnerships in addressing rural and heritage crime, as well as ASB.
Growing Reach and Influence
Here’s what you can expect to see from the NRCN in 2025
- The NRCN Rural Crime Conference March 25th 2025
- Working with NRCU and Government Departments to input into a new Rural and Wildlife Crime strategy.
- New Rural Crime Podcast
- Establishing a new rural crime All Party Parliamentary Group
- Legislative campaigns to ensure the Machinery Theft Act 2023 covers GPS systems and power tools.
Summary
As 2024 draws to a close, the National Rural Crime Network celebrates a year of progress, collaboration, and meaningful impact in the fight against rural crime. These milestones reflect not only our commitment but also the dedication of our members, partners, and associate members, whose support is at the heart of our success.
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to create safer, stronger rural communities. Building on this year’s momentum, we aim to implement new policies, foster innovation, and drive forward solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can continue to make rural crime prevention a national priority.