North East Herts MP, Sir Oliver Heald, has pledged his support to the ‘Rural Crime Reporting Line’, a new service for farmers and the public to call time on rural crime, which has become an increasingly serious concern for rural communities.
Launched by the National Farmers’ Union in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, the service gives farmers, rural businesses and the public the option to ring 0800 783 0137 anonymously or visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk and give information about any crime relating to:
- large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
- hare coursing
- machinery theft; or
- livestock theft
Commenting, Sir Oliver said: “Speaking to farmers on a regular basis, I know how devastating the impact of rural crime can be. I commend the NFU for their commitment to tackling this blight on the countryside and fully support a new initiative that will reinforce their efforts”.
NFU Deputy President Guy Smith said: “The NFU has teamed up with the charity Crimestoppers to provide a service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about these crimes. With relevant information being passed to the police, this service could help to provide key leads in the pursuit of these criminals.
“I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about these rural crimes to come forward and call the line - your information could be extremely valuable.”
ENDS