Northallerton: Minister recognises ‘fear’ caused by rural crime

Speaking in Northallerton yesterday (Monday, February 10), Crime and Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson spoke to officers and farmers to understand the challenges of rural crime as new technology is deployed to deter criminals.

SelectaDNA kits, trackers and thermal scopes are just some of the tech now being used by North Yorkshire Police by the Safer Streets Fund which were originally brought in last year following a spate of trailer thefts.

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO) However, farmers in the region still say they are still made targets by criminals despite the success of the “game-changing” technology.

During the visit, the minister spoke to father and son Paul and Brian Phillips – who have recently seen their fields damaged by trespassers.

Hunting deer and hares, criminals are reportedly travelling from Teesside and as far away as Wales leaving farmers frightened and facing bills to repair damaged property.

The tracks left by criminal vehicles could still be seen curving around the field as the pair told the minister of new CCTV and alarms they have installed in response.

Paul said: “You hear of so many incidents around, and you just wonder when and what is going to happen.”

Crime & Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson speaks to farmer Brian Phillips. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Following the visit, Dame Diana said: “I’m really delighted to have come to North Yorkshire because as the policing minister I am very focused on our safer streets mission which is about increasing the number of officers in our community.

“What I am really focused on here is the particular challenges of rural crime. We have talked a lot about high streets, city centres and urban areas but I know there are particular challenges.

“They were telling me about how they have had to replace gates, have their crops destroyed and the general fear that people feel.

“They should not have to be fearful about doing their job and playing their part in the community.”

The minister watches a demonstration of the technology. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Another issue still causing debate amongst farmers, as well as rural crime, is inheritance tax.

In the autumn budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced plans for a 20 per cent inheritance tax rate on farms worth more than £1 million.

These measures are not set to come into force until 2026, but the government have been urged to “change course” on the measures following a number of protests by farmers.

Just yesterday, tractors rolled into Westminster, while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage argues a lack of a U-turn from Reeves means Labour MPs are “getting scared”.

When asked about this, Dame Diana was insistent this is not the case.

Crime & Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) She said: “I don’t think Labour is scared at all, no. In her budget, Rachel Reeves set out the policy around inheritance tax and what that would mean for farmers.

“We want to have a thriving farming industry and community. I’m here looking at crime in rural areas which directly affects farmers and the agricultural sector.

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“I’m certainly not frightened or hiding away.”

She added: “I know that the farming community is concerned about this – I have met farmers around Hull who have their issues.

“I think it is perfectly right they lobby and campaign on the issues they are facing.”