FARMERS and landowners form Berkshire have met with Thames Valley police to help fight against rural crime.

Thames Valley Police, the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU) and the CLA , the membership organisation for owners of land have held discussions about the importance of working together to tackle crime.

During the meeting, Thames Valley Police chief constable Francis Habgood updated representatives from the NFU and CLA on the strategy for tackling rural crime. The meeting took place Wednesday, November 28.

Farmers and landowners from Berkshire were told how the Thames Valley Police gather intelligence from reports of rural crime and work with neighbouring police forces.

William White, NFU South East Regional Director said: “The Chief Constable outlined the challenges he faces and the vital role that farmers and landowners can play in protecting themselves from becoming victims of crime.

“Despite ongoing funding pressures, the Chief committed to tackling rural crime by enabling the right response to be deployed in the right place at the right time. He confirmed that Thames Valley Police’s Delivery Plan still has rural policing at its heart.”

The meeting took place at Sescut Farm in Oxfordshire and Thames Valley police also had a tour of the farm and their security.