Commissioner grateful for Rural Crime Survey feedback

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has thanked residents for their responses to his recent Rural Crime Survey.

With around two thirds of Cheshire classed as rural, protecting rural communities is a priority in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. Over 1,200 people had their say on the survey, which aimed to gather a range of people’s knowledge and experience of rural crime as well as build on the relationship that rural communities have with the police.

Throughout the survey residents were asked to detail how safe they felt in their area, their awareness of police initiatives to tackle rural and wildlife crime as well as their opinion on what issues they would like to see the police focus on in their community.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage with my survey.

“I am committed to protecting our rural communities and it’s vital for me to hear from as many people as possible so I can identify both what the police do well and what more can be done to prevent and tackle rural crime.”

The Commissioner will review the feedback and comments received through his survey and work alongside Cheshire Constabulary to address the themes raised in the responses.

Assistant Chief Constable, Bill Dutton, said:

“I welcome the results of the survey as it helps us to enhance the service we deliver to our rural communities. By listening to this feedback, we will be able to refresh our strategies to ensure they deal with the key issues that are important to the people we serve.

“Rural crime has a huge impact both personally but also the livelihoods of rural residents and that’s why it is so important that our dedicated team will listen to the concerns of the public and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

“Our Rural Crime Team will continue to work alongside and with our rural communities, tackling important issues and raising awareness to wildlife and rural crime offences.”

John Dwyer added:

“In Cheshire we are fortunate to have a fantastic Rural Crime Team and I will continue to work alongside them, the Chief Constable and partners such as the Environment Agency to ensure rural residents feel confident in their police service.

“If we work together, taking on board the views residents have raised, we can make Cheshire’s countryside an even safer place to live, work and visit.”

The results of the Commissioner’s survey are available at: 

www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/have-your-say/outcomes-and-results/

Pictured - Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer at the Nantwich Show (July 2022).