Tracking devices deployed to tackle rural crime

Warwickshire Police is using tracking devices to combat rural crime and vehicle theft. Working closely with Stratford District Council, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service and NFU Mutual, farm vehicles fitted with tracking devices are being deployed to a number of locations in rural areas of South Warwickshire to help locate ‘would be thieves’, following a number of reported thefts. PC Craig Purcell of Shipston Safer Neighbourhood team said: “Fitting various vehicles and items of farming equipment with modern trackers can help apprehend people attempting to steal from rural locations, and can also be invaluable in preventing and deterring crime in the first place. “We are publicising these tactics to send a clear message to anyone who is considering stealing from a rural location; we have the means and the technology to locate you and we will continue to use it.” As well as the use of vehicles with tracking devices, rural crime coordinators Bob Church and Lucy Lambert have been working with the local agricultural community across South Warwickshire to help farms improve their security, providing practical advice and guidance as well as loaning out security equipment for trial. Warwickshire police and crime commissioner, Philip Seccombe said he was delighted with the success of the tracking devices in being able to help the police tackle rural crime. “Getting the message out that such tactics are being used successfully is important to being able to deter crime and vehicle theft, hammering home the message that Warwickshire should not be seen as a soft touch for rural crime,” he added.