Police strengthen links with farming communities to help tackle rural crime

Devon & Cornwall Police has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting rural communities following a recent event aimed at strengthening links with farmers.
The ‘Bodmin Together’ event, hosted by Rural Affairs officers on the evening of Wednesday 4 February and supported by the Liskeard and Bodmin neighbourhood team, brought together police, partners and members of the farming community to discuss rural crime and prevention.
“We are here to protect everyone in our communities – whether you live in a busy city, or a quieter rural area, our commitment to keeping you and your property safe remains the same.”
The two-hour session focused on encouraging farmers to report all incidents of rural crime, including livestock attacks and theft, and raising awareness of legislation designed to protect farm animals.
This comes ahead of changes to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation, which will take effect on 18 March 2026 and will provide increased protection for sheep, cattle and other livestock.
Rural Affairs officer PC Julian Fry said: “Events like these are so important in bringing together police and rural communities, as ultimately, we both have the same goal – to keep farmers, their property and their livestock safe.
“We know that incidents often go unreported, so this was an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of sharing information with us.
“We rely on reports from our farming communities to help us map when and where incidents are happening. This allows us to deploy resources efficiently to support with deterring and preventing further incidents.
“Having this evidence-base also means we can work with our partners to develop a holistic approach to tackle all crime affecting rural communities.”
PC Fry added: “So, please, if you live in a rural area and see a crime being committed, or if you are a farmer and have been affected by crime, please report it to us.
“We’re listening and taking action; I hope this recent event showed our commitment to preventing crime and keeping those in our rural communities safe, including those with four legs.”
PC Lee Skinner, who helped organise the event, thanked attendees and partners for their contribution.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and to individuals who shared their experiences.
“Your insight, feedback and thoughts were extremely valuable, and will feed into our plans for policing and prevention activity throughout 2026.
“I’d also like to thank partners and local businesses who came along to the event to showcase the support available to our rural community.”
Organisations and businesses represented at the event included ATV Trac, Shearwell Data, Mole Valley, Cornish Mutual, Farm Cornwall, Cornwall National Landscapes, FCN, NFU, Harpers Feed, Trevor Wayborn from The Sheep Show, CLA, and Trading Standards South West.
According to a recent survey by the National Sheep Association, almost 87 per cent of sheep farmers experienced one or more dog attacks on their flock in 2024. The National Farmers Union estimates such incidents cost the industry nearly £1.8 million.
Further information about rural crime is available on the Devon & Cornwall Police website. Rural crime can be reported by calling 101 or via the force’s online reporting page. If a crime is in action, call 999.