Working together to keep rural communities safe - your voice matters

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As the country marks National Rural Crime Action Week, Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston is calling on people living and working in rural communities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to continue to report crime. 

The annual campaign, which runs from 6th to 11th September, puts the experiences of victims at the heart of discussions and highlights the often-hidden realities of rural crime, including machinery theft, hare coursing, livestock worrying, fly-tipping and wildlife crime. 

“More than 90 per cent of our county is rural and protecting the livelihoods and safety of our rural residents is something that I take very seriously,” explains Darryl. 

“Tackling crime in our rural communities is a partnership effort however it is vital that the police continue to receive local intelligence.  

“I urge anyone affected to report crime, including any suspicious activity, to the police.” 

The Commissioner continues to address the challenges faced by rural communities, working across county borders with local and national partners such as Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Rural Crime Action Team (RCAT), Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch (CCW), National Farmers’ Union, and the National Rural Crime Network.  

He also provides vital funding to CCW - £37k in 2026/27 - who act as a vital link between the police and rural communities, helping to strengthen trust, improve communication and support preventative activity.  

CCW works closely with neighbourhood policing teams to share crime prevention advice to its 600+ members and improve intelligence sharing – some of which has resulted in criminals been disrupted, arrested and prosecuted along with stolen property being returned. 

“Countryside Watch is central to the fight against crime in rural communities,” said Darryl. “The money provided through my office enables CCW to play a greater role in preventing people becoming victims in the first place. Where members of the community do become victims, they will ensure they are helped to access support services. 

“My most important message throughout this week is to remind residents and business owners alike to report rural crime to the police. With your support, we can deliver a consistent and responsive service across all our communities.” 

Stephen Juggins, Chair of CCW, said: “Our relationship with RCAT specifically (and the Constabulary more widely) has been and continues to be enormously important to the rural community.  

“The co-operation between us works daily to help prevent crime as well as supporting the police to catch those criminals who make life so difficult for our members. 

“Thanks to the Commissioner for his ongoing support for us and the rural community, which is very much appreciated.” 

For more information on how to report crime visit: Report a rural crime | Cambridgeshire Constabulary 

Details about Cambridgeshire Countryside Watch (CCW) can be found here: CCW | Covering the whole county