Campaigners are calling for the Government to increase its support in tackling rural crime after it was revealed the National Rural Crime Unit has only two police officers at its disposal. The NRCU, which is a specialist unit designed to support police forces in combating crime in rural areas, employs just two police officers and six civilian staff members, according to new figures.
The National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), which provides intelligence and support to law enforcement in tackling wildlife crime, has five police officers and thirteen civilian staff. Rural crime is an ongoing issue, with experts saying there is a disparity between resources allocated for urban units compared to rural ones.
The National Farmers Union’s insurance arm NFU Mutual’s annual rural crime report shows that although it decreased in 2024, it still cost the UK an estimated £44.1 million.
A UK-wide survey carried out by the Countryside Alliance in 2024 showed that members of the public were losing faith in the policing of rural areas. 96% of respondents saw crime as a significant issue in their area, and 45% believed that the police do not take rural crime seriously.
Earlier this year the Government announced an additional £800,000 in funding for the NRCU and NWCU, with Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson saying that “too often victims of crime in rural communities have been left feeling undervalued and isolated.” They also announced that Police and Crime Commissioners are to be abolished and policing functions transferred to elected mayors.
Sarah Lee, Director of Policy, Countryside Alliance said “Rural crime continues to have a devastating impact on countryside communities, yet the scale of the challenge is still not being matched with the resources required to tackle it. The Government’s recent funding is welcome, but the fact remains that the National Rural Crime Unit has just a handful of officers to cover the entire country. For isolated communities facing the blight of organised crime, livestock theft, machinery theft and rising levels of violence, that simply isn’t enough.
“Rural communities deserve the same level of protection as those in towns and cities. Without proper staffing and specialist support, criminals will continue to see the countryside as an easy target. We urge the Government to ensure that tackling rural crime is treated as a genuine priority, backed by boots on the ground and the resources needed to make a real difference.”
The NFU praised the work the NRCU manages with the resources it has, while highlighting NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “It’s great that we have the National Rural Crime Unit and, with the limited resources at its disposal, it does great work gathering and sharing intelligence and carrying out joint targeted operations.
“Ideally, the NCRU could do more with more staff and resources & rural police forces could do more if there wasn’t a disparity between funding urban and rural police forces. Fortunately, most police forces have a rural crime team or officers trained in rural crime issues. Some forces such as Thames Valley Police are very effective in addressing rural crime and work closely with the NFU and our members to keep ahead of criminals who prey on rural communities.”
Glynn Evans, head of game and wildlife management at the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), said: “Rural crime has a significant impact on individuals and communities, leaving many feeling intimidated and isolated. The theft of machinery doesn’t just carry the cost of replacement, it removes essential tools that farmers, gamekeepers and others rely on every day. Many involved in rural crime are willing to intimidate and use violence, and poaching and its associated offences not only impact wildlife but also damage land and livelihoods.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We’re taking strong action on rural crime. We have provided over £800,000 to support the National Rural Crime Unit and the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
“We are working closely with police to deliver the NPCC’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy, a joined-up approach ensuring the police and government are focused on rural crimes which have devastating consequences for communities.”
