National Rural Crime Conference 2026: Rural crime has 'defiled' farming communities for far too long

Rural crime can encompass domestic abuse, stalking, sexual violence, theft, livestock worrying, fly-tipping, waste crime and much more. Its impact can be devastating on isolation, mental health and community resilience

Chris Brayford
clock • 6 min read
National Rural Crime Network chair Tim Passmore said: "Rural crime should not be forgotten. The harms facing rural communities go far beyond what appears in crime statistics. People’s lives are being deeply affected — often out of sight and out of mind. We have to do better."
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National Rural Crime Network chair Tim Passmore said: "Rural crime should not be forgotten. The harms facing rural communities go far beyond what appears in crime statistics. People’s lives are being deeply affected — often out of sight and out of mind. We have to do better."

Rural crime can no longer be treated as an afterthought in comparison to urban policing as criminals continue to target and leave a devastating aftermath of misery on people who help to feed the nation....

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