Real action to reduce rural crime

The latest figures from Thames Valley Police show that rural crime has been reduce by 20% locally as the work of the Force’s dedicated Rural Crime Taskforce pays dividends for communities across Thames Valley.

Launched in March 2022, the Rural Crime Taskforce is having a real impact on tackling criminals. Improved training, a focus on intelligence gathering and cross border working all form part of the Thames Valley Rural Crime Strategy published at the end of last year.

Having already seized more than £5 million-worth of property, including vehicles, drugs, plant machinery and tools, the Rural Crime Taskforce is set to nearly double in side this year thanks to additional funding agreed in January.

Matthew Barber said: “I am proud of the work being done by this fantastic team who work daily in partnership with teams of local officers across the Force. All of our communities deserve to expect the best from the police and these officers are tackling criminals in ever corner of Thames Valley.”