National Rural Crime Action Week 2025: A United Voice for Rural Communities 

The National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) has concluded a powerful week of awareness, action, and partnership through National Rural Crime Action Week 2025 – bringing widespread attention to the true cost of rural crime and showcasing the initiatives being taken to protect countryside communities. 

This year’s theme – “Voices from the Countryside” – placed rural experiences at the centre of the conversation. From theft of machinery and fly-tipping to domestic abuse in isolated areas and arson devastating farms, the week highlighted that rural crime is a serious and costly threat that undermines livelihoods, safety, and resilience across the UK. 

The week opened with day one themed ‘What You Don’t See’ focusing on the hidden costs of rural crime – the damage that is not always visible. From the disruption caused by stolen tractors, quads, and GPS systems to the erosion of community confidence, the message was clear: prevention matters. Simple layered measures – from secure gates and alarms to forensic marking and accurate inventories – can reduce risk and strengthen resilience.  

Day two highlighted, ‘Rural Forces Rising’ – the role of proactive rural policing. From specialist rural crime teams to new technology such as drones, mobile CCTV, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), the campaign showed how enforcement and visibility are making rural areas more hostile to organised criminals. Collaboration between police, landowners, and rural residents remains key to tackling theft, poaching, hare coursing, and fly-tipping.  

The mid-week (day three) stressed on the theme, ‘Rural Crime is Bigger Than You Think’ – the breadth and scale of rural crime. \Beyond machinery theft and environmental damage, rural communities face hidden harms including domestic abuse, economic coercion, and isolation. The day also focused on the vital role of farming and food security in rural life, highlighting how protecting agriculture goes hand in hand with tackling rural crime. 

In many areas, where “everyone knows everyone,” the fear of being judged or exposed can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Limited public transport, fewer specialist services, and distance from larger towns or cities can further isolate residents, creating real barriers to safety and support. Highlighting these hidden struggles, day four with a theme, ‘Isolated, Not Alone’ emphasised the importance of visibility, outreach, and collaboration, showing that no one in the countryside has to face these challenges alone.  

The final (fifth) day, themed, ‘The Power of Policy’ – underlined the role of legislation and targeted investment in empowering communities. From the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 to new funding streams supporting rural policing, effective policies can deter criminals and ensure long-term security. Rural voices remain central to shaping the decisions that protect them. 

The NRCN’s partners – the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the Rural Services Network, and the Willow Project – stood at the forefront throughout the week, amplifying rural voices and driving home the message that rural crime must be treated as a national priority. 

Alongside them, a wide range of organisations, community groups, businesses, and individuals joined forces to share insights, raise awareness, and stand in solidarity with rural communities. 

Tim Passmore, Chair of the National Rural Crime Network, said: 

“This year’s Action Week brought the real voices of rural communities to the forefront. The message is clear – rural crime is a significant and pervasive threat, and rural communities will not be left behind. From innovation in policing to national campaigns on farming and domestic abuse, we have shown what can be achieved when we work together. The NRCN will continue to fight for rural communities, ensuring they are safe, supported, and heard.” 

The NRCN thanks all partners, supporters, and individuals who helped make National Rural Crime Action Week 2025 a success. 

Together, we can protect livelihoods, strengthen communities, and make rural Britain safer.