We live in a wonderful rural corner of the country, and I’m determined to keep it safe for the people and animals who live here.
Thank you to everyone who contacted me about rural crimes you’ve experienced. I went on patrol with the Rural Task Force and raised: fly tipping; theft of machinery, gates and village signs; catapult attacks; and hare coursing, amongst other things. The Task Force reassured me they’ve been seizing weapons, recovering stolen items, and establishing a presence in and relationship with many of our villages.
On catapults, the Police told me about their frustrating experience of seizing the dangerous items but having to give them back because they are not illegal to possess. In Parliament I’m pushing for catapults to be classed as offensive weapons. This would deem them items carried with the intention of causing injury and would make it illegal to possess them a public place without reasonable excuse.
I also spoke with a local farmer to hear about fly tipping on his land and attacks on his sheep. I was glad to hear first-hand what the Police can and are doing about it. For example, to help with their response rate, the Rural Task Force have Whatsapp Group chats with local farmers for a direct channel for them to report crimes quickly.
The key message to remember is if you see a crime in action, call 999. If you see evidence that one was committed earlier, call 101. You can call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111. And you can also report a crime online here: https://www.kent.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
People must have the confidence to report a crime, any delay in doing so only makes it harder for the Police. The Rural Task Force are there to protect our local area and we must all work together to safeguard it against the people who threaten it.
