Tackling rural crime a top priority for police

Reducing rural crime is one of the force's top priorities according to Windsor and Maidenhead's second in command.

Chief Inspector Lee Townsend, deputy local police area commander, speaking at a media briefing yesterday, said police are working to 'improve' their response time to crime in rural communities.

He said: "Rural crime is very much on our radar.

"We are determined to deal with rural crime taking place.

"But people must also be vigilant against it."

Chf Insp Townsend said a new strategy called EPIC is being run to understand and deal with crimes aimed at reducing crime in rural areas.

He said rural crime was also linked to international criminal gangs and tractors stolen from farms in the area were being sold in places like Dubai.

Chf Insp Townsend added Emily Roberts will take over as inspector for Windsor later this month and one of her specific responsibilities will be tackling rural crime in the borough.