NRCN Annual Conference 2025
National Rural Crime Conference 2025: Funding, Policy, and the Future of Rural Security On 25th March 2025, the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) successfully hosted its second Annual Conference. Hosted at the Institute of Directors in London, the Conference brought together government officials, policymakers, academics, law enforcement officials, private sector businesses and other key stakeholders to discuss the progress so far and the way forward in the collaborative fight against rural crime. The Conference was attended by Police and Crime Commissioners from across the country, providing them with a platform to share their work and foster knowledge exchange, which was the primary theme of the day. Attendees were updated on leading initiatives in key areas of rural crime, including rural domestic violence awareness led by the Willow Project, innovative solutions adopted by Historic England to prevent heritage crime, and the significant developments made by the National Rural Crime Unit in tackling organised crime gangs. The Annual Conference also welcomed Daniel Zeichner, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Rt Hon Lord Hanson, Minister of State at the Home Office as keynote speakers. Beyond reaffirming rural crime prevention as a government priority, the ministers outlined the measures the government plans on taking to address it, from environmental concerns to law enforcement challenges. As part of this commitment, during the conference, the government announced £800,000 in funding to combat rural and wildlife crime. This investment will help strengthen law enforcement efforts, improve intelligence-sharing, and provide much-needed support to rural communities affected by crime. Lord Hanson also confirmed that secondary legislation for the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 will be introduced later this year. While the NRCN acknowledged the allocated funding and the forthcoming legislation are positive steps towards giving the rural communities a fairer chance to tackle crime, it also emphasised that more work needs to be done. As The NRCN Chair, Tim Passmore, welcomed the additional support offered by the government, he also represented the appeals of multiple attendees by calling for fairer distribution of resources across counties. By bringing together key stakeholders, the Conference served as a vital platform for shaping the future of rural security. Beyond just discussing the challenges – it was about identifying real, actionable solutions. It gave the private sector an opportunity to present innovative solutions and intelligence led technology that can contribute significantly to the law enforcement’s efforts. The insights shared will help guide future policies, creating a more robust approach to tackling these issues, ultimately protecting both livelihoods and the rural way of life. The National Rural Crime Annual Conference 2025, hosted in association with Neighbourhood Alert, underscored the urgent need for continued collaboration and investment in tackling rural crime. With new funding commitments and strengthened partnerships, the event set the stage for more effective crime prevention measures and greater support for those on the front lines of rural security.
WhatsApp In Rural Crime Prevention
WhatsApp In Rural Crime Prevention Innovative tools like WhatsApp are proving to be valuable assets in the fight against rural crime. By enabling quicker communication between community members and authorities, we can respond faster and more effectively to incidents. Swipe through the carousel to understand how this technology-driven approach is just one of the many steps we need to enhance rural safety and security, ensuring that even remote areas are better protected.
Imapct of Fly-tipping
Impact of Fly-tipping Fly-tipping is a constant plague on farmlands, causing significant damage to the environment and local farming communities. Swipe through the carousel to understand how illegal waste dumping on farmlands is affecting farmers. By raising awareness and enforcing stronger penalties, we can work together to tackle this growing issue.
10 Worst affected Counties by Cost in 2023 as per NFU Mutual
19 September, 2024 10 Worst affected Counties by Cost in 2023 as per NFU Mutual It is day 4 of National Rural Crime Action Week 2024, where our focus is on Protecting our Countryside! The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2024 has revealed a stark reality that demands our attention. These figures highlight the urgent need for action and collaboration within our communities. This week is not just about raising awareness; it is about empowering residents and law enforcement to take a stand against rural crime. Let us unite for #ProtectingourCountryside.
Rural Crime Report 2024 by NFU Mutual
19 September, 2024 Rural Crime Report 2024 by NFU Mutual NFU Mutual’s latest figures show a 4.3% rise in 2023, pushing the cost of crime in rural areas to a staggering £52.8m. Criminal gangs are increasingly targeting farmyards and fields, capitalising on high inflation and strong resale markets both in the UK and overseas. The impact is felt across rural communities, with theft of farm machinery, tools, livestock, and even large-scale fly-tipping contributing to this surge. These crimes are not isolated incidents; they are often part of organised criminal networks that operate across regions, leaving rural communities vulnerable. Rural crime is a serious issue, but with vigilance and the right preventive measures, we can work together to reduce its impact. To know more, read NFU Mutual’s complete Rural Crime Report 2024 now: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/rural-crime/.
‘How farms are being targeted by criminal gangs stealing machinery to order for Russia’ – ITVnews Segment
14 May, 2024 ‘How farms are being targeted by criminal gangs stealing machinery to order for Russia’ – ITVnews Segment According to a recent segment by ITVnews featuring Chair of NRCN, Tim Passmore, an average of 170 agricultural vehicles are stolen every month! https://youtu.be/r2SQbMSupks?si=hWTY-KtLTdNgsZ44 Watch this interview featuring the Chair of the NRCN, Tim Passmore, to learn about how these stolen goods are making their way out of the country, leaving our farmers without the tools they need to make a living. As highlighted by Tim, criminals are increasingly targeting this equipment due to the high prices they can fetch on the black market. This calls for a stronger police presence in rural areas to deter criminals and improve response times. Additionally, farmers need access to more effective security measures, such as GPS tracking, forensic marking for equipment, and improved fencing. Watch the complete story on ‘how farms are being targeted by criminal gangs stealing machinery to order for Russia’ now!
Dr Kate Tudor on BBC Radio – Farming Today
14 March, 2024 dr. Kate Tudor on BBC Radio – Farming Today Let’s hear directly from Dr Kate Tudor – the author and researcher behind our latest report on ‘Rural Crime: Serious Organised and International’. https://youtu.be/gkrtcphXCJg Along with the key findings, Dr Tudor also discusses the misconceptions related to rural crime and the need for targeted strategies with BBC Radio 4 – Farming Today. Listen to the full segment!
The Telegraph Exclusive on the NRCN Report
08 March 2024 The Telegraph Britain’s rural communities ‘being targeted by foreign drug gangs’ Read the exclusive article published by The Telegraph here. Download the NRCN Report on ‘Rural Crime: Serious Organised and International‘ for free.
Welcome from Tim Passmore, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network
17 May 2021 Welcome from Tim Passmore, the National Rural Crime Network’s new Chair I am delighted to be able to write to you as both the re-elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk and the new Chair of the National Rural Crime Network. I have been the Vice-Chair of this organisation since we were formed in 2014. Things are better than they were then – there are more rural crime teams, more understanding of the problems faced in rural communities and more attention on the challenged faces in our most remote and sparsely populated areas. Better. But with a huge amount more to do. Rural crime is an issue that has never had the attention it deserved on the national agenda. In the past seven years since the NRCN was formed, we have made progress but let’s not underestimate the task that remains. As a farmer and a businessman, I have seen all too often at first-hand the impact of crime on rural communities. For some it still can seem trivial. Too many within government, within the police and within the country as a whole, question whether crime like the theft of machinery from a farm is a big deal. Those of us who live and work in rural areas know the impact it has – it can mean crops are ruined because they cannot be harvested, jobs and livelihoods of those employed are under threat and farmers’ families end up living in fear of criminals targeting their property. Since 2014, the NRCN has become a voice to be listened to when we have put the spotlight on some of the big issues we face – whether it’s the impact of domestic abuse or the growing threat of hare coursing. I want to pay tribute to Julia Mulligan as she steps down both as the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and as Chair of the NRCN. She has done a huge amount to improve the lives of people in rural areas, I thank her for everything she has done and wish her good luck in her new roles. As Chair, I will continue and strengthen our work so that we know the true picture of crime in rural communities, understand the impact it has, and use that to ensure the police, government and others find solutions to the challenges that have existed for too long and blighted the lives of too many. I am also looking forward to working alongside our new Vice-Chair, Peter McCall – the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria – and our newly elected Executive Board. From our partner members: Countryside Alliance – Sarah Lee Crimestoppers – Mick Duthiie NFU – Sam Durham Rural Services Network – Graham Biggs And, from our Police and Crime Commissioner members: Devon & Cornwall –Alison Hernandez Essex – Roger Hirst Lincolnshire – Marc Jones Sussex – Katy Bourne I look forward to getting started and discussing all of the issues we face – and what we do about them – in the weeks and months ahead.
NFU launch Cyber Security Guide for farmers
12 March 2020 NFU launch Cyber Security Guide for farmers NRCN-member, the National Farmers Union (NFU), has partnered with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to produce an online booklet to support farmers in preventing and reporting cybercrime. Cyber-attacks are on the rise, they can be financially devastating, disrupting and upsetting to individuals and businesses. Cybercriminals aim to exploit human or security vulnerabilities in order to steal passwords, data or money directly, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Almost half (46%) of businesses identified cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months. This criminal trend is an on-going threat to businesses of all natures and sizes, it is not just the larger organisations that need to invest in cyber security. Cyber security can often appear to be a complex and daunting subject, but prevention plays an important role in tackling the crime. The NFU hopes this booklet will provide farmers with practical, step-by-step guidance that can easily be implemented to build towards better resilience against cybercriminals and reduce their chances of being targeted. Download the guide here >>