Farm Watch Launched At The South Of England Showground

Sussex Police Chief Constable Martin Richards was at the South of England Show Ground in Ardingly yesterday (Tuesday November 24th) to launch Farm Watch, a partnership between Sussex Police and the farming community to fight rural crime.

The key aim of Farm Watch is to stress the importance of vigilance and communication – both within rural and farming communities and between rural communities and Sussex Police.

The scheme has already been operating successfully in parts of Sussex since 2003 and the launch officially expanded it as a county-wide initiative. Mr Richards was joined at the event, which took place during the Primestock Fayre, by representatives from the rural community.

Farm Watch now has a new and improved website – www.sussex.police.uk/farmwatch – where Farm Watch members are able to share crime-related information and receive valuable crime prevention advice. Members can also sign up to a text alert service.

Other services offered by Farm Watch include advice from crime prevention officers to help ensure property is as secure as possible and a property marking scheme to make it harder for thieves to dispose of stolen goods.

Chief Constable Richards said: “Sussex Farm Watch already has about 1800 farmers registered, who provide valuable support and assistance – both to other Farm Watch members and to police officers who deal with rural crime.

“Farm Watch helps reduce opportunities for crime to occur in farming and rural communities. Essential to this is encouraging people to report suspicious incidents to the police as they occur and also share the information with other Farm Watch members. As well as helping to deter crime, this strengthens community spirit, with everyone working together to protect their property.

“Farmers often have a great deal of capital spread over a large expanse of land. Some stock and equipment is portable and can be relatively easy to steal. Whilst property can never be made totally secure, becoming a Farm Watch member undoubtedly reduces the risk of becoming a victim of farming or rural crime.”

Detective Inspector Paul Phelps said: “Today’s event went really well. The Farm Watch stand was well attended and it was a good opportunity for our officers to chat to the farming community about any concerns they may have.

“Quite a few new members signed up to the scheme as well, which is great. The more people who sign up to Farm Watch, the more effective it will be. It’s easy to apply via the Farm Watch website – www.sussex.police.uk/farmwatch – or you can call 0845 60 70 999 and ask to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer.”