Ollerton's Rural Crime Team a 'significant win for the rural community'

The team, announced last month, is an extension of the existing neighbourhood policing offer and will bring together four officers with a dedicated focus on rural crime.

Based at Ollerton Police Station, the specialist team will complement the work of more than 40 other officers already trained to respond to rural and wildlife crime, in particular the theft of farm machinery; wildlife offences such as poaching; criminal damage caused by off-road vehicles and fuel theft.

NFU Nottinghamshire County Adviser, Gabriella Gregory, said: “I am delighted that the voices of Nottinghamshire’s farming and rural communities have been heard through the launch of the Neighbourhood Rural Crime Team. This is a significant win for our membership and the wider rural community.

“From the theft of farm machinery and quad bikes to hare coursing and fly-tipping, rural crime has a serious financial and emotional impact on farming families and businesses.

“Behind every statistic is a farmer, a family and a livelihood under strain. Farms are not just workplaces; they are homes. While the effects of rural crime are felt financially, for many farmers the real cost is the fear, stress and anxiety they are left with.

“We look forward to working closely with the new team to ensure members’ concerns inform its priorities and that this commitment delivers meaningful results on the ground.”

The NFU works across the country to lobby on behalf of farmers on key rural issues.

Superintendent Christopher Sutcliffe said: “Living and working on a farm may seem idyllic, but the reality is that it can also be very isolating and, at times, frightening for people who are attractive targets for serious criminals from home and abroad.

“We also know from experience just how devastating it can be to lose a valuable piece of equipment, such as a tractor GPS system, at the wrong time, and we understand the wider pressures our farmers and their families are under."