A FARMER has lost £300,000 in two years because of criminal damage and rural crime, the office of the police and crime commissioner has said.
South Wiltshire farmers took part in ‘frank conversations’ with commissioner Philip Wilkinson and police officers at a ‘Barn Day’ in Fovant, organised by the National Farmers' Union.
Mr Wilkinson was told another farm has reported 20 crimes this year.
He spoke about the importance of regional collaboration with other forces and said he wants to see the successful Operation Ragwort model for rural crime, where Wiltshire Police shares intelligence with other forces across the south west, expanded across southern England.
He also discussed the financial pressures facing Wiltshire Police, which is £6.8m short of a balanced budget.
Mr Wilkinson said: “Living in a rural part of Wiltshire, I regularly meet with our farming community and I’m well aware of the issues they face, not only in terms of rural crime, but with regards to a whole range of topics.
“Meeting them in a forum like this, where we could focus solely on policing and criminal justice, gave me the opportunity to explain to them the work Wiltshire Police is doing to tackle rural crime and why it’s important for them to report incidents as and when they happen.
“Some of our discussions were robust, and I hope that the farmers have gone away with the confidence that I am fighting their corner and we are working hard in collaboration with our regional colleagues as well as our neighbours in Hampshire and Thames Valley, to protect the homes and livelihoods of our rural communities.”
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Temporary chief inspector Andy Lemon, the force's rural crime operational lead, said: “Our officers have forged strong relationships with our rural communities, but this was a good opportunity to outline our successes so far this year and to hear their concerns.
“They’re able to hear our plans for the future and give their input on the things we can do to provide a more effective service.”
More Barn Days are planned for later this year, including one in North Wiltshire.
NFU county advisor Katie Davies said: “We have had good feedback from our members and they really appreciated the opportunity to speak to the police and crime commissioner and the team from Wiltshire Police.
“Days like this give the farming community the chance to air their views and make suggestions about how they can work with the police to protect our rural communities.”
