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The harm caused by crime in rural areas of Norfolk has prompted Crimestoppers to launch a campaign calling on local people to speak up and pass on information about those who are responsible.

It’s estimated around 60% of people in the county are living in areas that are designated as rural. The types of crime extend beyond theft and vandalism, crop damage, arson of hay bales, hare coursing and poaching; it can also include wildlife and heritage crime.

It’s estimated that rural crime costs Norfolk more than £906,000 a year, according to the annual NFU Mutual’s Rural Crime Report.

The campaign is mostly digitally focused using social media and will cover the whole county including areas such as Norwich, Wyndomham, Downham, Acle and the Broads.

Phil Breckon, Eastern Regional Manager for the charity Crimestoppers, said:

“Whilst Norfolk is a beautiful and mostly safe county, crime does affect our rural and farming communities. Where it does occur, its impact can be not just financially but emotionally severe. We’re keen to help protect local people and businesses and understand that some people struggle to contact the police – this is why Crimestoppers exists. As independent charity we are here to listen to people’s crime concerns, take relevant information and pass it on 100% anonymously.

“In 30 years, our charity has never broken our promise to protect your identity. Please call 0800 555 111 or use our anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. Together, we can help protect your community and the one’s you love from harm.”

If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through the non-traceable Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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