Innovative technology to protect rural communities
Nottinghamshire has become the first county in the UK to enable volunteers to deploy drones as part of efforts to tackle rural crime and protect local communities.
As part of Rural Watch, an initiative which aims to prevent and reduce the fear of crime and promote effective communication, the volunteers are now equipped with the state-of-the-art technology to support their work on the ground.
The significant step forward reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening community safety and improving how rural areas are monitored and protected.
Designed to detect and deter crimes such as theft, poaching, illegal off-road activity, and fly-tipping, Rural Watch empowers local residents to work alongside police in maintaining safety and reassurance in rural communities.
The community-led scheme also aims to increase feelings of safety by encouraging visibility, vigilance, and a shared sense of responsibility.
The scheme was created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police, Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Grants from the OPCC’s Safer4All fund were shared between the two local authorities, with £20,000 used to purchase crime prevention products.
This includes approved video recording tools such as the drones, as well as wildlife cameras or night vision devices.
The resources are available to support volunteers and help communities feel more confident and engaged in local safety efforts, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and resilience.
Any footage collected must be submitted to a Neighbourhood Police Officer and may be used as evidence where appropriate.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, who saw the drones in action recently, said: “This is a new way of policing rural areas which we know can sometimes be difficult to manage.
“The drones are a great asset to have and they enable our local volunteers to add to the knowledge they have of rural areas.
“I’m very committed to making sure that our rural communities feel safe, secure and able to work and enjoy the beauty countryside in Nottinghamshire, and that is why I’m investing money into drone technology to clamp down on the challenges we have.
“This sends a clear message to all of the individuals committing crime in rural communities – we take this extremely seriously and will put resource and technology into making sure they are brought to justice.”
Rural Watch volunteers conduct patrols in groups of at least two, wearing high-visibility jackets that clearly identify them as members of the scheme. While volunteers do not have police powers, their visible presence alone helps to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and fosters a sense of community spirit and solidarity.
It is open to volunteers aged 18 to 79, who must agree to a Police National Computer (PNC) check, maintain a current Notts Alerts account, complete training, and acknowledge the scheme’s terms of reference.
Clive Collings, Nottinghamshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Lead, and Chief Inspector for Neighbourhoods in Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood, said: “Having the drones available for our rural watch volunteers to use will help tackle not only off-road bikes, but also rural crime more generally.
“The equipment is top of the range and has thermal imaging to track individuals to and from different areas and will help to tackle the scourge we’ve seen recently.
“Two-thirds of Nottinghamshire is rural and that is why we are the first force in the country to provide drones to our volunteers to help them capture footage that we can act on.
“The message is clear to those committing crime in rural areas, we are coming for you, and we will find you.”
A local landowner said: “It’s really reassuring to see these measures being put in place within our communities.
“It is easy to feel isolated when crimes are being committed but schemes like Rural Watch show that the police are taking things seriously and taking strides to support us.
“Hopefully the new technology deters those thinking of coming onto our land and causing issues, and in turn make the rural community feel safer.”
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about Rural Watch are encouraged to email ruralcrime@notts.police.uk.