Heather Wheeler MP has pledged her support to the “Rural Crime Reporting Line”, a new service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about rural crime.
Launched by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), in partnership with the charity, Crimestoppers, farmers, rural businesses and the public can ring 0800 783 0137 or visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk to anonymously give information about crimes such as:
- large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
- hare coursing
- machinery theft
- livestock theft
Rural crime is a serious issue for farmers, rural businesses and those who live in the countryside. It can have significant impacts on farms and other businesses operating in rural areas.
Commenting on her support for the campaign, Heather said:
“Rural crime can be devastating and I recognise how important an issue this is for many of my constituents. I fully support this new initiative by the NFU and commend them for their ongoing work in tackling countryside crime.
Please keep this telephone number somewhere handy, such as on your fridge, and if you see anything suspicious at all then ring it through. What may seem an insignificant incident could prove to be key in putting criminals behind bars.”
NFU Deputy President Guy Smith said:
“The NFU has teamed up with the charity, Crimestoppers, to provide a service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about these crimes. With relevant information being passed to the police, this service could help to provide key leads in the pursuit of these criminals.
I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about these rural crimes to come forward and call the line - your information could be extremely valuable.”