FARMERS from across South Worcestershire met up with West Mercia Police staff for a farmers’ crime prevention workshop.
It comes as figures from NFU Mutual reveal the cost of rural crime is at its highest since 2013, with the Midlands being among the heaviest hit.
The event, held on the Overbury Estate, is the latest measure from the force to tackle crime in rural areas and support the farming community.
The Rural and Business Crime Officer for South Worcestershire wanted to give local farmers the chance to have farm vehicles and tools marked and advice was also provided on up-to-date security measures, crime prevention tactics and community watch schemes.
Some residents living in rural communities are considered an easy target for criminals and the event was aimed at highlighting the support available from the police and the advantages of partnership working.
More than 30 farmers attended the event and took along vehicles such as quad bikes, Land Rover Defenders and trailers, along with power tools and traders ‘Tallis Amos’ showed their support as suppliers to the farming community.
South Worcestershire Police’s rural and business officer Lou Tooze said she was overwhelmed at the fantastic turnout as she appreciated how valuable time was for farmers, particularly during the lambing season.
“Community events such as these are necessary to establish strong relationships and help in providing the public with an understanding of what crime prevention information is available.
“Communication from both sides will only build confidence and achieve success.”
There was a lot of positive conversation, light-hearted humour and she said she was looking forward to holding similar events in the future.
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