Sarah Dyke MP Demands Greater Police Protection for Farmers as National Rural Crime Action Week 2026 Begins

As National Rural Crime Action Week 2026 (6th–11th September) gets underway, police forces and partner agencies across the country have launched a series of proactive operations, high-visibility patrols, and crime prevention initiatives designed to protect isolated communities.
​The coordinated campaign highlights the growing threat of organised crime in the countryside, where criminal gangs involved in drug dealing and human trafficking are frequently linked to rural offenses such as hare coursing, livestock worrying, fly-tipping, and high-value farming equipment theft.

​Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs Spokesperson Sarah Dyke MP emphasised the severe toll these offenses take on the agricultural sector, calling for stronger legislative priorities and enhanced policing resources.

​"Rural Crime Action Week is an important reminder of the impact crime has on farmers and rural communities across the country," "Machinery and livestock theft, hare coursing, fly-tipping and livestock worrying can have a devastating financial and emotional impact on those affected." Sarah Dyke MP

​Highlighting the dedication of agricultural workers, Sarah Dyke added, "Our farmers work incredibly hard to produce our food and care for our countryside. They deserve to feel safe and properly protected. Rural crime is not victimless. I will keep pushing for our rural communities across the country to get the policing resources they need to tackle it."
​National Rural Crime Network and  organisations behind the national week of action stress that rural crime is deeply sophisticated and directly threatens rural livelihoods. The campaign aims to unite rural experiences, law enforcement, and local partners to ensure rural voices shape future national policies.
​In response to the ongoing security challenges, the Liberal Democrats have outlined a comprehensive plan to reform rural policing and support local communities:

​Dedicated Rural Crime Teams: Specialist officers embedded in every force with a named contact for local communities.
​High-Tech Tools: Improved access to drones and modern technology to track offenders in isolated areas.
​Expert Training: Specialised training for 999 call handlers to better understand the unique challenges of rural incidents.
​Real-Time Intelligence: Enhanced communication systems to facilitate rapid information-sharing between farmers and police officers.
​Fly-Tipping Crackdown: On top of the Government’s proposed changes, Liberal Democrats propose increased fines and the removal of unfair commercial waste disposal fees that drive illegal dumping.
​Burglar Response Guarantee: A statutory guarantee ensuring police attend the scene of every domestic burglary.
​Local leaders have echoed the need for sustained advocacy. Representatives across police authorities and councils note that while specialised units like regional Rural Taskforces have made significant strides, continuous pressure is required to secure fair policing resources for rural populations.

​Further details and campaign resources are available through the National Rural Crime Network.
https://nationalruralcrimenetwork.net/national-rural-crime-action-week-2026/

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