The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2013 - Issue 29 | Page 77

SECURITY PCC calls for united response to rural crime in Derbyshire Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Charles is preparing to host a Wildlife and Rural Crime Summit with a view to tackling offences ranging from cruelty to wild animals and theft from Derbyshire farmers and local businesses. The Commissioner pledged in his election manifesto to make wildlife and rural crime one of his priorities. He is now organising a September conference in South Normanton aimed at finding multi-agency solutions to crimes that affect rural communities. “By holding this event I aim to raise awareness among the police, our partners and the public of the problems and the cruelty that these crimes inflict on our country areas,” he said. “I want to see a stronger, concerted effort in tackling illegal acts that harm wildlife, our environment and those who are legitimately trying to get on with running their farms and other rural businesses. “The first step towards doing that will be to increase partnership working and establishing more effective methods of gathering and sharing intelligence with the help of the hugely popular FarmWatch and potentially a rural crime network.” Mr Charles has invited a wide range of associations, groups and partners to present their experiences and knowledge to the conference on 25 September. “I hope that together we can begin to shape solutions to an issue that has a significant, detrimental impact on Derbyshire,” he said. Crimes affecting rural communities range from badger baiting, persecution of Birds of Prey, trade in endangered birds and animals to illegal hunting with dogs, thefts of farm vehicles and diesel. Delegates to the event will include the NFU, the RSPCA, RSPB and Birds of Prey Diversionary Project alongside other representatives from different corners of the rural community. They will consider The Force Tractor is loaned to FarmWatch free by New Holland Tractors & the Hallmark dealership. the implications of rural crime, the cost to farming and the links between wildlife crime and organised crime. MORE MONEY FOR THE THINGS YOU WANT! With The Money Frank Saved, He Was Able to Treat His Farm To A Well Earned Break For more information and a free comparison on how you can save money with LED lighting Contact RhinoCo Technology [email protected] 0845 644 5421 www.rhinoco.co.uk To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk FarmersMart Aug/Sep 2013 77