Oxfordshire County Council logo

Agenda item

Themed Item - Rural Crime

The Panel will be looking to scrutinise and gain information on what the PCC is doing in holding the Chief Constable account in tackling rural crime and whether this is successful.

 

The PCC has submitted a report which provides an outline of key activity being undertaken or planned by TVP in relation to tackling rural crime and supporting Thames Valley’s rural communities.

Minutes:

The Panel was provided with a report by the PCC which outlined key activity which was being undertaken or planned by Thames Valley Police in relation to tackling rural crime and supporting Thames Valley’s rural communities.

 

The PCC reported that in the last 12 months there had been a re-focus on rural crime by the force, endorsed and supported by the PCC and Chief Constable.

 

A summary of the key changes included:

·       The introduction of a dedicated team of officers to tackle rural crime – the rural crime taskforce.

·       Revised and enhanced force governance to ensure appropriate strategic, tactical and operational oversight and direction.

·       The introduction of a revised rural crime strategy

·       The introduction of a revised force definition for rural crime to improve recording, data and analysis

·       Rural crime training for call centre and control room staff

·       The introduction of a new rural crime communication strategy.

 

Reference was made to the new definition for Rural Crime; “offences that relate to farms, agriculture, wildlife, the environment and heritage sites where they are targeted due to their isolation or rural location”.

 

The Chair of the Panel referred to the success of the WhatsApp Country watch messaging service which provided the sharing of fast time information and intelligence with rural communities.

 

Members’ Questions

 

(1)  The new definition of Rural Crime was narrow. What about crimes in rural villages such as thefts, burglaries etc which are crimes committed in rural areas?

 

[The PCC replied that all crime should get the same level of service throughout the Thames Valley and that rural areas should not be treated differently to urban areas. The resources would be different, but it all evolved around neighbourhood policing. Discussion took place on crime in rural areas and the different issues which rural communities had which went beyond issues of theft.

 

The PCC referred to the work which was taking place regarding the link between mental health, suicide, and the rural and farming communities. Work was taking place with partners to raise awareness and provide support for those in rural communities who may be struggling with mental health.]

 

(2)   In relation to the Rural Crime Taskforce and the size of the rural areas in Thames Valley, will the number of officers realistically be enough to cover the large rural geographical area?

 

[The PCC replied that rural areas tended to be outside urban areas and officers would be deployed and specialist equipment as and when required. Some rural crime may be linked to organised crime so speciality officers would be used.]

(3)  There are some areas with high levels of rural crime, Aylesbury Vale, South Oxfordshire, Chiltern and South Bucks etc. What crime prevention work will be carried out in those areas?

 

[The PCC said it would vary and depend on the types of crime. It was recognised that these areas required preventative work and work was taking place with landowners on prevention work. An example was on the security of vehicles, with tagging of vehicles taking place. Attitudes had changed with landowners ensuring their vehicles were secured.]

 

(4)    Reference was made to tracking devices on vehicles and the PCC was asked about protocols with neighbouring Forces to enable police pursuits of tracked vehicles into other Force areas?

 

[The PCC replied that this was a significant challenge, but work was taking place to address this. Bedford and Northants Forces worked with Thames Valley.]

 

(5)   A criticism of rural communities is the lack of Police visibility in rural areas and that the nearest police stations can be a distance away. Are there any plans for rural areas to have a police presence in shared facilities with local authorities/ partners? 

 

[The PCC replied that property sharing did take place with other partners. The Rural Task Force would ensure greater visibility. Reference was made to Police Community Support Officers who often patrolled the streets in unmarked vehicles who may not seem visible but were out and about serving the community. In response to a point made about the funding, the Panel was informed that the PCC had allocated funding in the 2021/22 budget, however, there would be corporate sponsorship funding.]

 

(6)   In relation to the new definition for rural crime to improve recording, data and analysis, what have been the results of these improvements?

 

[The PCC reported that it was a bit early to say, however, TVP call handlers had been trained on the specifics of the new definition to ensure correct recording of crimes took place.]

 

(7)   Reference was made to the Rural Crime Snap Guides which provided information and legislation to officers to ensure they dealt effectively with rural crime and the PCC was asked why was hare coursing not included in the guide?

 

[The PCC replied that this would be covered under the hunting with dog’s category.]

 

(8)  Reference was made to the role of the Crown Prosecution Service and the need for specialist knowledge on rural crime.

 

[The PCC said he would take this on board as ensuring the CPS was aware of the special nature of rural crime was essential to tackle the problem.]

 

RESOLVED – That the report and information provided on Rural Crime be noted.

Supporting documents: