Suffolk Police have started using police volunteers on horseback to combat crime in the mostly rural county.
Suffolk is a large rural county covering 1500 square miles and has over 60 miles of coastline and some renowned areas of outstanding natural beauty, this brings its own distinctive challenges for Suffolk Constabulary.
It is why the volunteers will be using their reassuring presence on horseback in helping the Police do their work.
The newly launched strategy recognises that the impact of crime can be higher in rural communities, and people living in remote areas may feel particularly vulnerable because of their isolation.
Tim Passmore said: “Suffolk is a safe county and we are very lucky to live and work in such a beautiful place, however, I believe the impact of crime is often greater on victims in the countryside due to their remote and isolated locations, making them feel more vulnerable and concerned.
“This new rural policing strategy helps deliver my Police and Crime Plan policies for rural Suffolk to continue to keeping us safe and I’m very pleased to fully support this fresh approach.”
'Real cause of concern'
NFU Suffolk County Adviser Rachel Carrington said: “Rural crime remains a real cause of concern for our members in Suffolk so we’re pleased that its impact has been recognised within this new strategy. We particularly welcome the commitment to have a specialist rural officer in each Safer Neighbourhood Team.
“We look forward to working with the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure Suffolk’s rural communities receive the policing they expect and deserve.”
The strategy highlights the policing resource in the county which includes two experts in rural, wildlife and heritage crime, supported by a team of crime reduction and partnership co-ordinators in each of the three policing commands.
Each of the 14 rural SNTs will also have a designated specialist able to respond to rural crime and wildlife matters.
