Dr Neil Hudson MP for Penrith and The Border highlighted the ongoing issue of rural and wildlife crime and welcomed the increase in police funding, which will provide additional support to local communities in the fight against crime in rural areas.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday 28th September, Dr Hudson raised the issue of various criminal behaviours in rural areas. “Theft of farm machinery, burglary, animal theft and cruelty, antisocial behaviour and vandalism are just some of the issues facing our rural areas”, Neil emphasised.
Whilst praising the excellent Cumbria Farmwatch Scheme, a partnership between people and Cumbria Police, Dr Hudson asked the Government to reassure his constituents of Penrith and The Border that there is support provided to the police and communities in the fight against rural and wildlife crime.
In response to Dr Hudson’s contribution in the Chamber, the Minister for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse MP, said: “As a rural Member, I know exactly the type of concern to which my hon. Friend refers; it is shared by people in my constituency. Obviously, the provision of significant extra numbers of police officers to Cumbria Police will help the Chief Constable in deliberations about where to put those resources. Although that is an operational matter, one would hope that some of it will be devoted to rural crime. I certainly hope that will happen in Hampshire. On wildlife crime, I am pleased to report that we are putting £136,000 into the National Wildlife Crime Unit so that it can continue its valuable work.”
Dr Hudson added: “I was really pleased to receive the assurance from the Home Office that tackling rural and wildlife crime is a priority for the Government. In addition to the provision of extra numbers of police officers in Cumbria in recent months, I really welcome the further support this additional funding will provide to the police and communities in the fight against crime in rural areas.”
