During a debate on fatal accidents and rural crime in Parliament Dr Neil Hudson MP reiterated his calls for a clampdown on the blight of rural crime. Dr Hudson mentioned the severe negative mental health effects of rural crime.
Reducing rural crime and its effect on communities has been a long running campaign of Dr Hudson’s, he recently spoke on the subject in the House of Commons: https://www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-welcomes-governments-proposals-hare-coursing-and-thanks-cumbria-police-their/.
Dr Hudson said:
“People in rural communities, like Penrith and The Border, sadly have to contend with rural criminality including; vehicle crime, property damage, poaching, farm animal machinery theft and animal theft. I am very grateful for the work that Cumbria police do in trying to combat these offences alongside Cumbria Farm Watch.
Not only is the loss of both animals and physical property a scourge on rural communities but also we must be aware of the mental health impacts for those who fall victim to these awful acts. I have triggered an inquiry into Rural Mental Health by the Commons EFRA Select Committee, on which I sit. We will be looking at just such issues.”
