Police strengthen links with farming communities to help tackle rural crime
“We are here to protect everyone in our communities – whether you live in a busy city, or a quieter rural area, our commitment to keeping you and your property safe remains the same.”
This was the message that Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs officers shared at the recent ‘Bodmin together’ event, which aimed to connect police and members of the farming community.
The two-hour-long event focused on empowering farmers to report all rural crime they experience, including livestock attacks and theft, and to also raise awareness of the laws in place to help keep livestock safe.
This follows an update to the Dogs Protection of Livestock legislation, which will come into effect on 18 March 2026 and offers increased protection for sheep, cows and other farm animals.
Rural Affairs officer PC Julian Fry, who attended the event, said: “Events like these are so important in bringing together police and rural communities, as ultimately, we both have the same goal – to keep farmers, their property and their livestock safe.
“We know that incidents often go unreported, so this was an opportunity for us to highlight the importance of sharing information with us.
“We rely on reports from our farming communities to help us map when and where incidents are happening. This allows us to deploy resources efficiently to support with deterring and preventing further incidents.
“Having this evidence-base also means we can work with our partners to develop a holistic approach to tackle all crime affecting rural communities.”
PC Fry added: “So, please, if you live in a rural area and see a crime being committed, or if you are a farmer and have been affected by crime, please report it to us.
“We’re listening and taking action; I hope this recent event showed our commitment to preventing crime and keeping those in our rural communities safe, including those with four legs.”
The ‘Bodmin together’ event was hosted by Rural Affairs officers on the evening of Wednesday 4 February and supported by officers from the Liskeard and Bodmin neighbourhood team.
PC Lee Skinner, who helped organise the event said: “Thank you to everyone who attended and to individuals who shared their experiences.
“Your insight, feedback and thoughts were extremely valuable, and will feed into our plans for policing and prevention activity throughout 2026.
“I’d also like to thank partners and local businesses who came along to the event to showcase the support available to our rural community.”
Partners and businesses present at the event included: ATV Trac, Shearwell Data, Mole Valley, Cornish Mutual, Farm Cornwall, Cornwall National Landscapes, FCN, NFU, Harpers Feed, Trevor Wayborn from The Sheep Show, CLA, Trading Standards South West.
A recent survey from the National Sheep Association found that almost 87% of sheep farmers experienced one or more dog attacks on their flock in 2024.
It is estimated that these incidents cost the industry almost £1.8 million (National Farmers Union).
For more information about rural crime, visit: Rural crime | Devon & Cornwall Police
To report a rural crime that has happened, call 101 or report online to Devon & Cornwall Police here: Report a rural crime | Devon & Cornwall Police
If a crime is taking place, call 999.
Published 10 February 2026.
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