Theft of milk tanker prompts action to tackle rural crime in Lancashire
7th January 2025
Communities across Lancashire will receive funding to crackdown on rural crime following the theft of a milk tanker and other large farming vehicles.
Rural communities from the Ribble Valley area are set to get funding for new CCTV camera systems to tackle thefts of farm equipment and vehicles, Lancs Live has reported.
The news follows a number of incidents that happened over the past few years, including the theft of a large milk tanker at Gisburn Auction Mart.
The auction site will soon benefit from an update to its security systems. Vehicle number plate recognition equipment could also be installed on the A59 as part of the measures.
According to the local press, Parishes in Sabden, Hothersall, Bolton by Bowland, Sawley, Tosside and Barrow have won financial grants to install new CCTV cameras, using cash from a police commissioner fund and the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership.
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Extensive thefts of farming equipment and vehicles
Ribble Valley councillors have published a report that reads: ‘In 2022, challenges were reported in tracking and getting evidence for crimes committed by an organised crime group.
‘This included extensive thefts of farming equipment and vehicles. The offenders were using rural arterial routes to enter and leave the Ribble Valley. These routes are typically in areas where there is known to be little CCTV coverage and poor lighting.’
The document is also referring to the other rural problems, as many parishes have also reported frustrations with vehicle crime, burglary and anti-social behaviour, including dangerous driving.
‘PC Matt Hartup approached the Community Safety Partnership to suggest a joint project to support parishes to install CCTV in areas that are mutually beneficial to the police. Parishes were asked to register their interest and view an existing system in Barley,’ the report continues.
Lancs Live has confirmed that parishes are expected to receive up to £1,500 of funding.
This follows an £8,000 boost granted by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Neighbourhood Fund in late 2023.
Read more rural crime news.
