Rural crime
Derbyshire Constabulary operate across an area which is approximately 1000 square miles, with a population of around one million people. Approximately 70% of Derbyshire is rural.
Definition of rural crime
As yet there is no national definition of rural crime but currently Derbyshire Constabulary takes the approach that a rural crime is a crime that takes place in a rural location and includes:
- farm and agricultural related crime: theft of, or damage to plant vehicles, equipment or livestock
- wildlife and environmental related crime: animal cruelty, poaching, badger baiting, killing or taking of wild birds or damage of protected habitats
- heritage related crime: theft, damage or removal of articles from historic sites
We know that many members of rural communities can feel vulnerable due to many factors, including the remoteness of properties and the lack of easy access to infrastructure such as telecoms, the internet and some services.