MP for Penrith and The Border, Dr Neil Hudson MP, has quizzed the Home Office on what steps are being made to tackle rural crime.
Tabling a parliamentary question, Dr Hudson continued his campaign to make sure Government understands the unique set crimes that are disproportionately affect rural communities such as those in Cumbria.
In January, Dr Hudson, gave a speech in the House of Commons, about the full picture of rural crime and paying tribute to the community action from Cumbria Farm Watch, trying to combat criminality in remote areas. Dr Hudson has also stood up on issues such as hare coursing, animal theft and the mental health effects of crime.
Dr Hudson has also been in regular contact with senior leaders in the Cumbrian police forces, such as Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, tabled the question:
“To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle rural crime in Cumbria and across England.”
Minister of State for Crime and Policing at the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice, replied:
“Our manifesto committed us to use police resources to tackle rural crime. As well as recruiting 20,000 additional police officers, we are also taking steps to address issues that we know affect rural communities. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act empowers and equips the police and courts with the powers they need to combat hare coursing.
“The Government is also providing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit. As at 31 March 2022, Cumbria Police has recruited 117 additional uplift officers against a combined year 1 and 2 allocation of 101 officers. The force has been allocated 68 additional uplift officers in the final year of Uplift. The deployment of these officers is an operational decision for Chief Constables.”
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson, said:
“Sadly, from farm machinery and livestock theft to property damage and flytipping, there are a range of crimes that have a massive impact on those living in rural areas, such as ours here in Penrith and The Border.
“I am very grateful for the work Cumbria Police do, alongside organisations such as Cumbria Farm Watch and Neighbourhood Watch. Their hard work must be matched by action from central Government, and I thank the Minister for replying to my question.
“The police recruitment drive is excellent and having worked with our local police forces, I know just how valuable more boots on the ground will be in tackling criminality in Cumbria.”
“I’ve also spoken before about the awful impact crime has on people’s mental health when they become a victim and so I will continue to incorporate this in my continued campaign for better rural mental health provision.”
