Today Greg Smith MP welcomed the Home Secretary Suella Braverman to Borough Farm in Newton Longville to meet with farmers, representatives from the NFU, Inspector Stuart Hutchings from the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Taskforce and our Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber to discuss combatting rural crime.
Commenting, Greg said: "It was fantastic to welcome the Home Secretary - Suella Braverman MP to Buckinghamshire to discuss combatting rural crime in Bucks, hearing directly from farmers, NFU Online Buckinghamshire, Inspector Stuart Hutchings from the TVP Rural Crime Taskforce and our Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber.
"Discussion ranged from fly-tipping to equipment theft, showing the Home Secretary a JCB installed with forensic marking, GPS unit and discussion on how my private members bill on preventing equipment theft will make a difference to farmers and land owners.
"Thames Valley Police are leading the way with the Rural Crime Taskforce - and there is so much learning they can share with other forces to reduce rural crime nationally, as well as shape what additional resources and powers police need in this area.
"Hugely grateful to our hosts and all involved in this important discussion - and confident the Home Secretary listened to the importance of moving combatting rural crime up the Home Office agenda further."
