Coronavirus: Help needed to counter rural crime surge
Whilst we are regularly applauding the best of human nature in the current crisis this article speaks to the darker side of things it tells us:
More government action is needed to help rural communities deal with some of the side effects of the coronavirus crisis, such as increased crime and more cases of domestic abuse.
In a letter to Defra secretary George Eustice, the National Rural Crime Network (NRCN) says that rural issues are often overlooked in the development if national policies and points to a range of issues that have not so far been addressed by government.
In particular, it says criminals are already capitalising on the fact that police attention is being diverted elsewhere by the coronavirus challenge, with poaching and livestock theft a major concern.
The closure of waste and recycling centres is also leading to an increase in waste crime and fly-tipping.
The NRCN, which represents more than 30 police and crime commissioners along with rural organisations, also highlights an expected increase in domestic abuse cases.
Family isolation due to coronavirus will significantly increase the rates of domestic abuse, and the NRCN calls for government support to meet urgent accommodation needs.
The group also points to the increase in footfall on public rights of way, as more people use the countryside for their daily exercise.
“We don’t necessarily propose they should all be closed, but there should at least an awareness campaign so those using them are aware they are on land of someone who could be self-isolating and consideration of whether their journey across the land is essential.”
It also suggests consideration be given to allowing landowners to temporarily close rights of way if that landowner is being shielded for medical reasons.