Alliance hosts briefing to focus on rising rural crime

The Countryside Alliance has held a drop-in briefing session at the Houses of Parliament to help raise awareness of the impact of crime in the countryside. 

The session, held in conjunction with the National Rural Crime Network, offered a chance for parliamentarians to learn more about livestock worrying, fly-tipping, machinery theft and poaching. During the event, the Alliance shared its latest research and promoted Rural Crime Action Week, which started on Monday and runs to 27 October. 

New research from the House of Commons Library shows a 32% increase in rural crime since 2011, compared with 24% in urban areas. These statistics highlight a significant disconnect between rural concerns and government policies. 

The CA’s external affairs director Mo Metcalf-Fisher said: “Being relentless in our efforts to engage with MPs from across the House of Commons is central to advancing the campaign aims of the Countryside Alliance. 

“It is only through this one-to-one dialogue that we can put forward the views of our members and the countryside. 

“With a huge number of new MPs representing rural seats, it is vital they know just how important concerns over rural crime are within their respective constituencies,” he added.