EDM 273: Rural Crime Action Week 2024

That this House recognises Rural Crime Action Week which runs between 21 and 25 October 2024 to highlight the impact of rural crime on communities; is concerned by the NFU's 2024 Rural Crime Report which states that the cost of rural crime increased by 4.3% across the UK in 2023; further notes that the highest regional cost of crime in 2023 was in the Midlands at £11.7 billion; acknowledges that Shropshire has been rated the third worst affected county for rural crime for two consecutive years; recognises that the impacts of rural crime are felt by business and across communities from large-scale fly-tipping to theft of farm machinery, tools and livestock; and calls on the Government to recognise the serious and organised nature of rural crime and urgently to take steps to tackle crime and disorder in the countryside.