RURAL crime crackdowns which police admit were done ‘once in a blue moon’ will be pushed up the agenda following the success of a pre-Christmas operation which aimed to provide reassurance to isolated residents.
The Chronicle can reveal that neighbourhood policing teams which cover semi-rural and rural areas - such as officers whose patches cover locations such as Penistone - will be tasked with continuing the work and intelligence gathered through Operation Hawthorne.
The action, which saw 50 farms visited, will become more ordinary in outlying posts, according to Superintendent Mark James.
“Rural communities haven’t always been at the top of our priority list but I can reassure residents whose homes and farms are located there that they will become a real feature for our neighbourhood policing teams,” he told the Chronicle.
“Many of these are isolated and vulnerable because of the quieter locations.
“Operations were done once in a blue moon but this will now become more ordinary business because people in rural communities do deserve the same level of service.
“Their intelligence is key to shaping what we do, but we’re now in a much better position going forward to make a difference.”
Huge amounts of rural routes have been patrolled by officers since, with dozens of farms visited after the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) urged police forces to take a tougher stance on criminals who have targeted high-value farmyard machinery and taken advantage of minimal coverage and force boundaries.
A police report said: “We define rural crime as any crime or incident that impacts farming, agriculture, wildlife, the environment, or heritage assets in a rural area.
“A communication plan is being developed to maximise impact.
“South Yorkshire Police will also purchase a mobile station to enhance operations and engagement with rural communities.
“The NFU describe the relationship with the force as the best it has ever been.
“Op Hawthorne has now been rolled out in every district.
“Rural crime can have a devastating and detrimental impact on residents and businesses alike.
“It leaves those living in rural communities and farmers and business owners feeling even more isolated.
“Theft of machinery or damage to crops and fields can significantly affect farmers, not just financially but it can also impact on insurance premiums, food prices and damage local communities.
“We want to ensure that we are in a position to respond appropriately.
“We’re improving our visibility in our rural communities and working with them to respond quickly to reports of crime.”
