Essex crime: Call for tip-offs to help tackle surge in rural crime

Crimestoppers has launched an appeal for anonymous information to help protect hardpressed rural communities across Essex.

The charity says gangs exploit wildlife, the environment and communities in many ways, often leaving farm owners to foot the bill for criminal damage and hitting the incomes of businesses in rural areas.

In the year to April, Crimestoppers nationally received nearly 2,700 anonymous reports about rural crime.

Whilst this is a 14 per cent increase on the year before, the charity says the figure also suggests a degree of underreporting Last year, the charity passed on more than 4,300 anonymous pieces of information provided by people in Essex.

Philip Breckon, eastern regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: “Our charity knows how damaging crime in the countryside can be to communities, to rural businesses, farmers, wildlife and the environment.”

John Hayward-Cripps, chief executive of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said: “With headlines often focused on crime in the cities, it is easy to forget rural crime, but rural crime is increasing and is a serious issue.

“From hare coursing to machinery theft, the impact of rural crime on victims’ lives and livelihood can be enormous, with victims often left with long-term anxiety.”

To report rural crime anonymously, visit the charity’s website Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a simple and secure anonymous online form or call 0800 555 111.