Rural crime concerns discussed at barn meeting

Police, the PCC, partner agencies and local residents came together in East Herts on Thursday (3 March), to discuss the work being done to protect rural communities.

The latest Barn Meet event was held at the Chaldean Estate in Much Hadham and was hosted by the East Herts Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Guest speakers on the day included colleagues from the constabulary’s Rural Operational Support Team (ROST), Assistant Chief Constable Matt Nicholls, Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd and local MP Julie Marson.

Chief Superintendent Richard Liversidge, East Herts Chief Inspector David Cooke and representatives from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) were also in attendance.

Presentations were given by East Herts Council around fly-tipping, including details of how offences have dropped in the area and the Environment Agency talked about the dangers of liquid waste. Topics such as hare coursing and theft were also covered.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Terry Alcock, who organised the event, said: “Barn meets have always proved very popular and are a great way to engage directly with our rural communities. This is the first one we’ve been able to hold for a couple of years due to the pandemic and I’d like to thank all those who attended and those who gave talks and presentations.

“East Herts has the largest percentage of rural land in the county and we’re committed to building and maintaining strong relationships with those living in these areas. If you have any issues, concerns or ideas you’d like to discuss with us then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire David Lloyd said: “I go to these barn meetings to hear first hand of those issues affecting farmers and rural communities, and to let them know what is being done and to find out where more work needs to be done.

“I know how people in remote locations can feel frightened and intimidated by criminals who come on to private land to steal, fly-tip or hare course. Hertfordshire now has more officers than ever before and I need to ensure that rural areas see the benefit of the uplift in police numbers.

“My fly-tipping fund pays to clear up rubbish dumped on private land and contributes half the cost of target hardening areas where there are repeat problems.”

For more information on the fly-tipping fund visit www.hertscommissioner.org/fly-tipping