Rural handbook for East Yorkshire officers

Hare coursing is among the East Ridings biggest rural crime concerns. Picture: PA Wire

To coincide with Rural Crime Week all officers in Humberside Police will received a 44-page Rural Patrol Guide containing relevant legislation and advice that will help officers deal appropriately with all cases of wildlife and rural crime.

The force’s chief wildlife and rural crime officer PC Julie Turrell, said: “The Rural Patrol Guide has been created to give our officers the information they need to cope with any type of rural crime.

“We found that officers who are usually based in the town or city centre may be called to deal with a rural incident and are not always familiar with the processes and legislation that is at their disposal. The guide provides them with clear information on how to deal with wildlife and rural crime.

“The guide provides crime prevention advice that officers can give to residents which will help prevent crimes in our communities. There is also a contact list of agencies associated with wildlife and rural crime.”

PC Turrell attended Driffield Show this week where she and her colleagues spoke to rural residents and farmers about their crime concerns.

Hare coursing is among the area’s biggest crime concerns but overall rural crime in East Yorkshire is relatively low, PC Turrell said, adding that this was due in part to the effective Farm Watch text messaging scheme which allows residents and police to share live intelligence.

Driffield Farmwatch co-ordinator and police volunteer, Gordon Calvert believes the new guidance document for officers will be a major plus to help tackle what crimes are committed.

“From a Farmwatch perspective the Rural Patrol Guide will be another very useful, on the job, quick reference tool for all officers. It covers all aspects of the issues that affect the rural community in general.”

PC Turrell said Humberside Police takes rural crime seriously, highlighting how in April the force trained 26 police officers to become voluntary Wildlife Crime Officers. In addition to their normal policing duties they have scope to investigate and provide advice in relation to wildlife and rural crime.