PCC Marc Jones backs survey to investigate organised crime in rural areas

The questionnaire has the backing of Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones – who says the results could help change the way police fight organised crime.

The online survey – the first in the UK to investigate the impact of organised crime in rural area - asks questions ranging from the type of crime you have fallen victim to and where you think the criminals may have come from to the response from police and the cost to the victim.

It has been put together by the National Rural Crime Network, which brings together rural police forces and partners like NFU to understand issues that are affecting rural communities.

PCC Marc Jones, who was behind the county joining the network, said understanding the experiences of residents was vital in helping the shape the way the force polices the county.

He said: “It’s crucial that the people of rural Lincolnshire make their voice heard,” he said.

“All too often the perception is that organised crime only impacts urban areas and the larger cities but that is not the case.

“Whether it is hare coursing, theft of farm machinery or stealing lead from church roofs organised gangs target rural areas and we need to understand as much as possible about the experiences of our residents so we are better equipped to fight these criminal groups.

“Taking part in this survey will be a positive step in helping us to keep our communities safe.”

Mr Jones has overseen a raft of investments in new equipment and technology designed to help police in the fight against rural crime.

This has included a new drone squad, all-terrain vehicles, new pursuit cars and the UK’s most advanced command and control system – design to help deploy the right officers quicker than ever before.

NFU County Adviser Danny O’Shea said: “It is really important that as many people in Lincolnshire take part in this survey as possible.

“The force has made significant steps in the right direction over the past few years but there is of course plenty more to do and certain areas we still need to see improve.

“If the commissioner and local police are going to meet the challenges we have laid down they need as much intelligence as possible and the survey is a crucial way to pass on your experiences.”

• To take part in the survey, click here