A new team of four police officers is being launched in Nottinghamshire to tackle rural offences including farm machinery theft, poaching and criminal damage caused by off-road vehicles.
The Neighbourhood Rural Crime Team will be based at Ollerton Police Station and work alongside existing neighbourhood officers across the county.
Its officers will receive specialist training and work shifts covering both day and night. Their duties will include investigating offences, gathering intelligence, carrying out arrests and seizures, and planning operations in response to emerging crime trends.
The team’s remit includes livestock theft, fuel and metal theft, hare coursing, wildlife crime, fly-tipping and the nuisance use of off-road vehicles.
High-value agricultural equipment, including tractor GPS systems, will also be a focus. Nottinghamshire Police is already working with farmers and the National Farmers Union to tackle these thefts.
The new team will support a wider network of more than 40 officers who have received enhanced rural crime training. The force has also invested in equipment including 4×4 vehicles, quad bikes and night-vision goggles.
Superintendent Chris Sutcliffe said:
“Rural crime is about far more than the individual offences we respond to. It is ultimately about people’s livelihoods, their quality of life and even how safe they feel in their homes.
“In recent years we have listened to the concerns of our rural communities and taken action where we can improve our response.”
He said the officers would work alongside existing neighbourhood teams, with dedicated time and training to examine recurring problems.
“That means not simply responding when an offence happens, but identifying patterns, targeting those responsible and working with communities and partners to prevent problems from happening again.
“The new team gives us additional focus and capability while remaining firmly part of our wider neighbourhood policing offer.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said the team would build on investment in specialist training and equipment, alongside work with residents through the Rural Watch scheme.
He said:
“We have listened to the rural community and have enhanced and adapted the service to meet their needs.”
PC Hollie Marsh, one of the officers joining the team, said people in isolated areas could feel particularly vulnerable.
“We know that people living and working in isolated areas can feel particularly vulnerable and unsafe. I want to show heightened patrols, more police presence and immediate action when responding to incidents.”
She added:
“It is a pleasure to be a part of this team and to be tackling the issues which mean the most to the agricultural communities and villages.”
