Rural priorities in focus of new dedicated proactive team

A new dedicated team who specialise in tackling the most important priorities facing rural communities was launched in Staffordshire last month. 

Around 80 per cent of our force area is considered rural. Staffordshire is home to a number of people, businesses and livelihoods that have different demands to those in urban areas.

We’re really proud of our rural footprint and we completely recognise the need for specialist resources in this area, which is why we’ve set up a new dedicated proactive team.

What does this change mean for rural communities?

• Specialist officers with local experience in tackling crime which impacts those living within rural areas are working proactively each and every day across Staffordshire to stop offenders and prevent crime
• We’ll have a better understanding on the needs of rural communities, including agriculture, equine, wildlife and heritage, meaning a better police service across Staffordshire
• Officers can spend more time engaging with rural communities and working with partners to tackle their top priorities, including neighbouring police forces
• Lots of officers outside of the dedicated team have also been given additional training in responding to rural crime, allowing us to respond to these issues more effectively.

Delivering an outstanding police service to communities in Staffordshire will never be a one-glove-fits-all approach. It’s vital that we adapt what we do to ensure we understand the diverse needs of the people we proudly serve on a daily basis, and our rural communities are no different.

Rural crime has increased by 8.9 per cent this year, and with it, a cost of more than £1.8-million in stolen items. We know that for many farmers and members of the rural community, their business is also their home, so these types of crimes can have a significant effect on people and families.

To read more about our rural crime strategy, visit: Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy 2024-2026