What was the cost of rural crime in 2019/2020?

According to insurer, NFU Mutual, rural theft cost the UK £54.3m in 2019 and despite overall thefts reducing in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, criminals continue to target those working in the countryside. When the lockdown was in full force between March and July, there were significant spikes in crimes such as livestock rustling alongside other non-theft related incidents including increased dog attacks on farm animals and fly-tipping. Another major concern is the theft of expensive tractor GPS equipment.

What is CROPs (Covert Rural Observation Posts)?

This is a specialist Surveillance deployment where, a particular activity is occurring and, to gather the relevant evidence or information a specialist team is required to deploy in a covert manner. This type of deployment is generally managed in countryside/rural locations, where the nature of the environment requires observations to be maintained in a specific manner, there are a number of options available from small teams inserting into the area to maintain surveillance or the use of Rapid Deployment Camera Systems which are remotely monitored by Clear Link Consultancy’s operators, the advantage of using this system is that it uses a number of standalone covert cameras giving multiple angles to the subject area.

An example of this might be where a farm or other similar facility set in an isolated rural location needs to be observed. To be able to successfully observe a location of this nature an operative would need to use camouflage and concealment to remain undetected. This would require operating from a specially built covert hide, which would blend into the surrounding environment where they can remain for a considerable amount of time undetected gaining valuable information and recording any activity by video or still imagery, all of Clear Link Consultancy’s operators have deployed operationally in this capacity in the UK and abroad.

Examples, where such deployments would be invaluable, might be:

• Fly-tipping.
• Environmental crime.
• Poaching.
• Theft of livestock.
• Theft of plant or diesel fuel.
• Burglary and thefts from rural properties and outbuildings.

Specialist Services we offer:

• A professional and discreet service.
• Deployment of 2 – 4 person teams.
• Deployment of covert rapid deployment camera systems.
• Deployment of hybrid teams for larger areas of operation.
• Compliance with regulatory frameworks: ISO 27000, GDPR and ICO.
• A full detailed report and evidence supplied.   

At Clear Link Consultancy we understand each client’s needs and requirements are different, therefore each situation requires a bespoke solution.

Please contact us to let us help you find that bespoke solution.