Research has shown that nine out of ten rural residents haven’t seen any police officers in their area within the past week.
These shocking findings came from a study of rural residents that revealed a disturbing picture of crime in the country.
Rural crime including thefts, burglaries and fly-tipping cost an estimated £43.3million last year with thefts of agricultural vehicles remaining stubbornly high at a cost of £9.1million.
In the years leading to the pandemic, local authorities reported nearly one million instances of fly-tipping. There were also reports that there was an increase of as high as 350% in lockdown areas.

Rural crime including thefts, burglaries and fly-tipping cost an estimated £43.3m last year with thefts of agricultural vehicles remaining stubbornly high at a cost of £9.1m (stock image)
A survey of 3000 people conducted by Countryside Alliance found 71% reported an increase in criminal activity in the past 12 months.
Nearly half (48%) of respondents also stated that they felt intimidated or victim to criminals in the past year.
A shocking 89% said they had not witnessed an officer over the previous week, while 79% said they saw a drop in police officers in their community.
The officer numbers fell more than 20% between 2010-2018, while half of the country’s front counter stations (at least 667) have been shut down. This is especially true in rural areas.
Sarah Lee, Countryside Alliance director of policy said that rural residents deserve their voices and concerns to be heard.
Police resources need to be fairly distributed. Officers must also be adequately trained to tackle the various crimes occurring in the countryside in any weather and across all terrains.
“Criminals should know that targeting rural residents is not an option.”
Many rural residents believe that rural crime isn’t being dealt with seriously. The fear can be exacerbated by the fact that police officers aren’t seen on patrol.

Nearly half said that they felt intimidated or threatened by criminals in the past year. Surprisingly, 89% of respondents said that they have not seen an officer within the past week. (stock image).
In addition to the 28% increase in crime reported by respondents, this survey revealed that they did not report it because of concerns that it would waste their time or that police could not do any harm.
More than 4 out 10 people were convicted of a crime in the past 12 months. This includes thefts, fly-tipping and other wildlife crimes like hare coursing.
53% reported that security measures have been installed around their property, such as CCTV or lighting.
Spokesman for National Police Chiefs’ Council said that crime in rural communities could have disastrous consequences on businesses and residents alike.
“Police are strengthening their response against rural crime with goals set against a nationwide rural affairs strategy which is supported all chief constables, police and crime commissioners.
“We are aware that visibility of the police is very important for the public. Every chief constable is working hard to make sure the service remains as visible and accessible as possible.
“We encourage rural communities in the area to report crime and suspicious events to the police. This will allow us to maintain and grow our intelligence and prioritise rural and neighborhood policing.