THE charity Crimestoppers has launched an appeal for anonymous information to help protect hard-pressed rural communities across the county.
It says criminal gangs are exploiting local wildlife, the environment and local communities leaving rural residents feeling unsafe and farmers having to pay for criminal damage.
In the year to April 2021, Crimestoppers nationally received nearly 2,700 anonymous reports about rural crime.
Examples of anonymous tip-offs received include:
A named man using aggressive dogs to carry out illegal hunting of deer and game.
Local tradesmen at (address given) burying asbestos in earth mounds on the field (as given) as well as dumping and burning rubbish.
Named men involved in the theft of machinery from building sites and farms, stealing diggers, caterpillars, Bobcats and tractors that do not have trackers on.
From its latest claims statistics rural insurer NFU Mutual estimates that rural theft cost the UK a staggering £43.3million in 2020.
Initially, the campaign will explore hare coursing, poaching and badger baiting, with advice on how to spot the signs, sharing prevention advice and hearing from organisations who work with the police and other partners to prevent and solve these crimes.
To report rural crime anonymously, visit Crimestoppers-uk.org or call freephone 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
