Rural residents are being urged to have their say in a major new survey about crime in the countryside.
The National Rural Crime Survey aims to determine the true personal, social and economic cost of rural crime and anti-social behaviour across the country.
The last survey took place in 2015, when 13,000 people responded to give their impressions of crime and anti-social behaviour.
The results revealed the cost of rural crime to the country was significant – around £800m every year.
In response to this, and following a meeting involving more than 100 stakeholders, North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce was established in April 2016.
Questions in the 2018 National Rural Crime Survey cover a range of issues – from whether people report crimes to the impact anti-social behaviour has on rural life.
The survey also asks whether respondents believe enough is done to catch offenders.
The National Rural Crime Network brings together Police and Crime Commissioners, police forces and organisations that play a key role in rural communities.
Network chairman Julia Mulligan said: “I hope that everyone living or working in a rural community will spare a few minutes to complete our survey.
“It will provide a clear picture of what has improved, what challenges remain and what more government, police forces and other organisations can do to support the most isolated areas of our county.
The survey is open for submissions until Sunday 10 June. It is available at www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net.
