Victims of rural crime in Bassetlaw set for free security upgrades as part of new £200K scheme

A newly appointed dedicated full-time rural crime prevention officer, David Elms, will soon be assessing the needs of rural crime victims and implementing a range of “target hardening” measures to make it more difficult for criminals to reoffend.

The measures, which could include installing CCTV and motion sensor lighting to prevent break-ins, and gating to prevent vehicle theft, form part of a new £200,000 project to help secure rural homes in Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood.

The scheme will be funded by Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Safer4All fund, and will be delivered by Nottinghamshire Police, with support from Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Other projects that will be delivered as part of the scheme include new mobile automatic number plate recognition cameras being installed to two 4x4 vehicles, which alert police to sightings of vehicles linked to criminal activity.

And multi-agency days of action on rural crime issues such as fuel theft and plant machinery theft will be carried out.

The rural crime prevention officer will also carry out crime prevention and engagement visits to working farms in the area as part of the scheme, with the funding running until September 2024.

Commissioner Henry said: “While volumes of rural crime may be lower than other crime types, it has a disproportionate impact on its victims.

“For example, a single vehicle theft in a rural area could mean the loss of a £120,000 tractor that is not only incredibly costly and difficult to replace but can have a huge knock-on impact to the running of a farm as a business.

“That’s why, after we consulted the public on the Make Notts Safe Plan, we included a special focus on rural crime which is now being implemented.

“This latest funding should help provide even greater protection for homes and businesses in rural areas and stop criminals in their tracks. Not only will it make rural communities safer – it will make people feel safer, which is just as important.”

Councillor James Naish, leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “As a councillor for a rural ward I know of the impact that rural crime can have on farms, agribusiness and residents.

“Increasing the support for victims of rural crime and investing in target hardening and preventive measures is a positive move that can help make our communities safer.”