Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, has funded a new facility to held rural communities stay safe. With her team, she has created an online hub offering advice and resources to help rural residents and businesses protect themselves from crime.
Having launched the Derbyshire Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) in September 2023 to boost support for rural communities and businesses, the Commissioner has now invested in a new ‘one stop shop' for farmers, residents, businesses and retailers to provide up-to-date advice and information on how to prevent and report rural crime. It will also highlight the work being carried by the rural crime team and partners.
The new Derbyshire Rural Crime Prevention and Support Hub, which goes live today (28 February), will offer information on all rural crime issues including those relating to wildlife and heritage crime. It will also direct users to specialised support services in the event they become a victim of crime.
Rural Crime is a key priority in the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan. DPARC was created as part of her plan to make Derbyshire the safest county in the country and to promote its work as a national leader in preventing and reducing rural crime.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "We are fortunate to live in a safe county. However, our vast rural landscape exposes us to unique risks, and it is important that we do everything possible to protect these communities from criminals.
"Many rural crimes are preventable. The new hub will offer businesses and residents unparalleled information on protecting their property and livelihoods. It will also direct people to the correct channels for reporting crime to help build intelligence and bring more offenders to justice. For those who find themselves a victim of rural criminals, we will provide direct links to support providers ensure people receive the help they need to recover.
"We owe our rural communities the best possible policing service to keep them safe. This enhanced support is delivered alongside a whole raft of operational improvements that I've introduced over the last three years to ensure rural crime in Derbyshire is given the attention it deserves."
The new hub will provide a space for partner organisations to share their good news stories and shine a spotlight on the targeted work underway to keep rural communities across Derbyshire safe.
The Commissioner will continue to dedicate office resources to develop and create content for the new hub alongside partners. Her team will also manage the site on behalf of the partnership and will refresh information as community priorities change.
Visit the hub at: www.derbyshireruralcrimehub.org.uk/