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25-28 NPCC Wildlife & Rural Crime Strategy – English version
This strategy aims to provide strategic direction for policing in the areas of both Wildlife crime and Rural crime. Whilst there are some elements distinctly different for both strands, it is recognised that for many police forces, the actual delivery of these areas of business is through dedicated Rural Crime teams, rather than separate resources. This strengthens the need for both strands of work to sit under the same strategy.
Rural crime has many different facets for many different people, often depending on the nature of the work, the individual police force, or which agency or Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO). The reality is that many crime types that are experienced across the UK can be evident in both urban and rural areas.
This strategy aims to tackle crime types predominately specific to rural areas, rather than to provide a guide to police forces for delivering policing services in rural communities, which is the clear remit of each individual force’s Chief Constable. Rural and Wildlife crime not only devastate species and ecosystems, but also fuels organised crime, generates illicit finances, destroys livelihoods and undermines the safety of our communities. Examples of this were clear over the previous cycle, with the growth in our knowledge of the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), the threats of organised animal cruelty and exploitation, the large-scale thefts of vital farming equipment and Organised Crime Group enabled acquisitive theft and criminal activities.
This strategy will be driven by the NWCU, NRCU and UK police forces, and underpinned by a robust partnership framework and a community support network. It seeks to empower police officers and enforcers to take decisive action against those who exploit and harm wildlife and rural communities.
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