Northamptonshire’s rural communities called to speak up anonymously about crime

The harm that rural crime causes has prompted our charity to launch a campaign calling on local people in Northamptonshire to speak up and pass on information about those who are responsible.

The campaign focuses on the theft of farm machinery and vehicles. When stolen, it means crops cannot be harvested or livestock fed. High-value items can often be stolen to order, dismantled and then sent abroad.

Rural properties are often in isolated areas, which can make them easy targets for criminals looking to break-in and steal equipment. Across the East Midlands region, the cost of rural crime rose from £8.9 million in 2017 to £9.8 million in 2018, according to the NFU Mutual Rural Crime Report 2019.

Funded by the Office of Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold, the campaign is mostly digitally focused and will use social media to cover the whole county.

Due to the nature of smaller, rural communities being more closely-knit, there can be a reluctance for people to speak up about crime in their area, for fear of intimidation, revenge or merely awkwardness. Crimestoppers guaranteed promise of 100% anonymity to everyone who contacts our charity means we are uniquely placed to help rural communities stay safe.

“Farmers have often experienced violence when confronting thieves on their land. The theft of tractors or quad bikes can be devastating to the running of their business.

“Our charity wants to make people aware of not just the financial impact of specific rural crime, but of the severe emotional effect on communities. The fear of crime can make people afraid to leave their homes, or leave businesses and farms unattended, which can add to levels of isolation. It’s our goal to protect and support local people and businesses.

“We understand that some people struggle to talk to the police. This is why Crimestoppers charity is here. As an independent charity, we listen to people’s crime concerns, take relevant information and pass it on 100% anonymously.
 
“In over 31 years, our charity has always kept its promise to protect the identity of everyone who contacts us. Please call 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form. Together, we can help protect your community and the one’s you care about from harm.”