§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what representations he has received on the incidence of rural crime, with particular reference to farm land; [141244]
(2)what representations he has received on the effectiveness of (a) Farm Watch and (b) other rural initiatives to defeat crime; and what support Farm Watch receives from police forces. [141245]
§ Ms BlearsI am not aware of any representations concerning the effectiveness of Farm Watch, other rural crime initiatives, or concerning rural crime with regard to farmland. The Government are committed to 409W tackling rural crime and has a £30 million Rural Policing Fund, specifically intended to enhance policing in rural areas.
Most rural forces have Watch schemes in place to tackle rural crime. North Yorkshire Police fully supports Farm Watch and the force has three dedicated Watch Co-ordinators supporting the scheme.