New scheme shows commitment to tackling rural crime

A new initiative is being launched across Nottinghamshire as part of a continued commitment to tackle rural crime and build safer, more connected communities.

The Rural Watch scheme, which aims to prevent and reduce the fear of crime and promote effective communication, is now inviting volunteers to get involved and play an active role in protecting their local area.

Launched during Rural Crime Action Week, the scheme has been 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.

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.

Rural Watch volunteers will 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.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “Our rural communities deserve to feel safe and protected.

“This investment is about providing the tools and support local people need to help prevent crime and feel secure where they live and work.

“We are proud to back initiatives that bring communities and policing closer together.”

The scheme 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.

Nottinghamshire Police’s efforts to tackle this type of crime means they currently have more wildlife crime trained officers than ever before.

The force have also increased their partnership working with the appointment of a Partnerships Manager to strengthen knowledge and investigation capability into rural crime.

Clive Collings, Nottinghamshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Lead, and Chief Inspector for Neighbourhoods in Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood, said: “A key part of the work we do is to provide the facilities for rural communities to help us, help them.

“That is all about handing them with materials to be able to walk around their local communities and when they see instances that they’re concerned about, they can give us that information and we can take action on it.

“We know that fluorescent jackets deter crime, so the idea of having them patrolling is really important and acts as a very active deterrent to mitigate the risk of criminality.

“That is why we’re really keen on inviting people from our rural communities to volunteer to join the Rural Watch scheme.”

In support of this initiative, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire has invested £115,000 through the Safer4All programme. This funding was shared between Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council and £20,000 was used to purchase crime prevention products. These resources will be available to support volunteers and communities feel more confident and engaged in local safety efforts, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and resilience.

Volunteers may utilise approved video recording tools such as wildlife cameras, drones, or night vision devices. Any footage collected must be submitted to a Neighbourhood Police Officer and may be used as evidence where appropriate.

Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are very supportive of this new initiative which empowers rural communities to contribute to tackling criminal activity.

“I hope these tools will act as a deterrent to people who commit rural crimes, provide the Police with the evidence they need to secure prosecutions and improve feelings of safety in our rural communities.”

Councillor Paul Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Community Relations at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “No person should feel isolated or vulnerable to crime where they live.

“Our rural communities represent a large part of the residents we serve and this initiative will allow and empower volunteers to help protect our beautiful landscapes against those who blight our communities with crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We are absolutely committed to tackling rural crime and this is an important scheme in our combined efforts to do so.”

Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about Rural Watch are encouraged to email ruralcrime@notts.police.uk.

Training dates are available on the following days:

Wednesday 1 October, Wednesday 8 October, Friday 10 October and Friday 17 October.