More than 25 local landowners, farmers and rural business owners attended a meeting to discuss crime prevention in rural areas.

Talks were given by Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Chief Constable Andy Bliss and the President of the NFU (National Farmers’ Union) Peter Kendall at Thrift Farm in Royston.

The barn meeting was held to promote the local authority’s efforts to tackle crimes specific to rural areas, such as those effecting wildlife and the environment.

Mr Lloyd said: “There is a danger that in the rural and urban mix, crime has a disproportionate effect. But those of us who live in rural areas are lucky to have the kind of communities where people do look out for each other, where there is resilience and strength. Part of this strategy is to encourage residents and businesses alike to play an active part. I want to see Special Constables in rural beats across Hertfordshire.”

Representatives of the Special Constabulary, Police Community Volunteer Scheme and North Herts Crime Prevention Panel spoke about the crucial roles they play in the prevention and detection of crime and reassurance to the community.

Mr Bliss, Chief Constable of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: “The message to criminals is that, compared to some areas, you have almost twice the chance of getting caught if you commit crime in Hertfordshire. Our rural Safer Neighbourhood Teams are already well-embedded with our rural communities and have developed some fantastic links with residents, businesses and parish councils.”

A question and answer session covered topics including the reporting of rural crime and crime in action, theft of metal, cross border incidents, intelligence sharing and the resourcing of rural specific officers.

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