A Liberal Democrat Oxfordshire MP has called for the government to step up its measures to tackle rural crime, which he says has a huge impact on farmers in the county.

Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, spoke to the House of Commons about the issue on Thursday, November 14.

He submitted a written question to solicitor governor, Sarah Sackman MP, asking what steps she was taking to help ensure that rural crimes were effectively prosecuted.

Ms Sackman responded by saying the government is “deeply committed to addressing the important issue of rural crime”, by strengthening neighbourhood policing, implementing stronger laws to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping, and recommitting to having a specialist Crown Prosecutor in each CPS area.

(Image: Screenshot from the parliamentary live feed) Mr Glover then pushed Ms Sackman to confirm that she and her colleagues in the Home Office will push ahead with the Equipment Theft Prevention Act.

The Act, which was passed last year, aims to prevent the theft and re-sale of equipment used by farmers and tradespeople.

It currently covers all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes, but the National Farmers Union (NFU) says there is a “pressing need” to extend the measures to GPS units, which are being stolen increasingly often.

The NFU is keen to see it extended to bring justice and reparation for those affected by the theft and resale of the high value and necessary farm equipment.

Ms Sackman confirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the Act, which she said would “bring about real benefits and impacts for those farmers who are suffering from the theft and resales of high value equipment, and all the stress and distress that causes”.

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Speaking afterwards, Mr Glover said: “Although rural crime is not new, there has been a rise in organised criminals targeting farms, which are family homes as well as places of work.

“Since the start of 2023, property valued at more than £400,000 has been seized by the Thames Valley Police Rural Crime Task Force across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

“Rural crime is increasingly organised and sophisticated, carried out by brazen criminals which is devasting for those affected who have been hit by so many challenges in recent years.

“Farmers in Didcot and Wantage constituency have been telling me about the huge impact rural crime has on their livelihoods and wellbeing.

“We need to do more to not only protect them, but to protect food supply for all of us.

“I welcome the Solicitor General’s commitment to implementing the Equipment Theft Act and look forward to seeing farmers and growers in my constituency and beyond being protected by it as soon as possible.”

Mr Glover previously called on the government to bring back inheritance tax relief for farmers, after the government announced that it would be cut in the 2024 Budget.

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About the author  

Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county. 

She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master's in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.

She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.