DEVON and Cornwall’s police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez caught up with the MP for Central Devon on October 4, to discuss his concerns about speeding on rural roads and the prevalence of agricultural theft in the county. According to the National Farmers’ Union, rural crime rose by 3% in the South West in 2015 compared to 2014, costing the region £6.1-million.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: ‘2015 saw the lowest overall crime rate in the UK since 1981 but in rural areas the picture is more mixed with the theft of livestock for instance up seven per cent in 2015 compared with 2014.

‘Farm machinery and tools also remain a target in areas where criminals know they are less likely to get caught by the police than in urban centres where there is a higher concentration of officers.

‘I’m grateful for Alison agreeing to look specifically at this issue and for committing to join me in meeting with a local speed watch group to discuss how we can empower communities to tackle speeding in rural areas.’

Ms Hernandez said: ‘Working closely with local MPs is key to understanding and addressing the most important local policing issues. It was good to catch up with Mel and share ideas about how we can enhance the powers of community speedwatch groups and I agree we need to target more resources in rural areas to tackle agricultural theft.’

During their meeting Mr Stride praised Ms Hernandez for improving call-handling times when residents in Devon and Cornwall dial 101; the non-emergency number for the police and for making it easier to report crimes online through 101@ dc.police.uk

For more information visit www.devon-cornwall.police.uk