Rural Matters. Plus the latest news on rural and environmental policing in Kent. In this issue:

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1 Rural Matters Rural policing in Kent a magazine for residents and businesses Autumn/Winter 2017 In this issue: Poaching alert Wild bird thefts Scam warning Plus the latest news on rural and environmental policing in Kent

2 Welcome to Rural Matters Latest news See inside for the latest news on how Kent Police is working with farmers and game keepers to tackle poaching. We report on how to recognise and act against courier scammers who target the vulnerable. Keep your vehicles safe and your property protected. We ve the latest contact information on the Rural Liaison Team officers dedicated to supporting Kent s rural communities. Team Leader Insp Dave Smith Rural Sergeant Sgt Darren Walshaw North Division East Division North Division PC Preston Frost PC Darren Reed Poaching stay vigilant, keep land secure Rural communities are being reminded to stay vigilant following recent reports of poaching. Walshaw said: Kent Police recognises these illegal activities cause farmers, gamekeepers and rural communities distress often with great financial loss and our officers in the Rural Task Force encourage people to report any incidents of suspicious behaviour as soon as possible. We have a dedicated team of officers who carry out patrols to protect property and people and take part in specific rural operations to drive down poaching and hare coursing. You can prevent hare coursing by ensuring boundaries are secure and difficult to access. Documenting vehicle details and passing them to police helps us with early intervention. Feature, see page 4. Photo by Russell Miles Horse trailers seized Officers investigating the reported theft of a horse trailer from Marden have arrested a man from Maidstone on suspicion of theft. The 23-year-old was arrested in Coxheath on 7 September where two trailers were seized by Rural Task Force officers. He was subsequently bailed pending further investigation. West Division East Division Keep harvest equipment safe PC Marc Pennicott PC Nick Lingham New service report non-urgent crime online Non-urgent Crime and Incident Reporting and Non-injury Road Traffic Collision Reporting have been introduced as a pilot for three months on the Kent Police website. They aim to give the public more choice in reporting non-urgent issues research shows increasingly people prefer to report digitally rather than call 101 (the new online service is signposted in the voice message when people dial 101). When internal and external feedback is analysed following the trial, Kent Police will look to introduce Version Two of Online Reporting. National police website and transaction services, such as payments, are due in the next two years, so both online reporting channels are interim solutions. Document and image upload should be available later this year as additional new technology is introduced. Those using the new reporting service are encouraged to spread the word to others who d benefit. Please complete the feedback form too. PC Wayne Wright PC Dan Perry Your rural PCs are also on Twitter! Our officers regularly provide updates on their work, including what to watch out for and any live incidents plus the latest crime prevention advice on rural issues. for the latest news and information. Rural officers have been busy around Kent s farming communities with the harvest at full pace in recent months. Rural Liaison Officer PC Nick Lingham said: As it draws to an end we ve seen a large amount of activity on farms during the course of the later hours and into the night. As a result of the hectic pace of making hay while the sun shines, we re aware large plant equipment is left in fields, outside barns and in some cases insecure. We target our patrolling to engage with farmers and landowners about this and carry out stop checks on plant machinery moving around at times some would consider unusual. You can now report certain non-urgent crime or incidents online (see opposite page). Alternatively you can call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on In an emergency (when life is in danger or crime is in progress) always call 999. Find out more about Kent Police Rural Task Force here: advice/rural-crime 2 3

3 Feature Help us to tackle poachers and coursers The upsetting sight of five hares left strung on fencing at the side of a busy road shocked villagers near Linton earlier this summer. Since mid-july rural officers have continued to receive more than 150 reports about poaching, hare coursing, lamping and illegal fishing offences. Securing borders and helping police identify vehicles are key to detection and prevention. I cannot stress enough the need for the community to continue to report such incidents to the police control room as they happen. The rural officers are sent notifications of every hare coursing or poaching related incident and will make further enquiries where possible to identify offenders and vehicles Walshaw Lee Steel reports The end of the harvest season in Kent traditionally marks a rise in a criminal activity which dates back centuries but each year continues to cause distress to animals, damage to land and financial harm to farmers. For the Kent Police rural team it is ensuring close working with local communities as their eyes and ears and proactive targeting of offences with partner agencies that are the key to both preventing and detecting offenders. Walshaw said: Kent Police recognises these illegal activities cause farmers, gamekeepers and rural communities distress, often with great financial loss. Our officers in the Rural Task Force work in partnership with the National Farmers Union and other agencies to encourage people to report any incidents of suspicious behaviour as soon as possible. We have a dedicated team of officers who carry out patrols to protect property and people and take part in specific rural operations to drive down poaching and hare coursing. Since mid-july our officers have received more than 150 reports relating to poaching, hare coursing, lamping and illegal fishing. I cannot stress enough the need for the community to continue to report such incidents to the police control room as they happen. The rural officers are sent notifications of every hare coursing or poaching related incident and will make further enquiries where possible to identify offenders and vehicles. In one incident officers were able to follow up a trail cam image from a pheasant pen of people poaching with crossbows. Rural PC Wayne Wright said: We were sent the pictures and as a result of posting them on Twitter and other sources we were able to investigate the crime. We had two search warrants and arrested someone who matched the identity, but there was no further evidence and unfortunately he had to be released without charge. But even though we didn t get a successful conviction on this occasion it put the word out there that we were onto them and the poaching stopped. An incident near Linton in August, where five dead hares were strung on a fence near a busy road, was reported to police and the RSPCA. Injuries to the hares suggested dog attacks rather than gunshots or snares. Sgt Walshaw said: Illegal hare coursing has continued since coursing was banned by the Hunting Act Prior to this it was a legal activity with numerous organised events. Many coursers travel long distances across the county and from other parts of the country to take part in this illegal activity, due in part to the large hare population in our region. Those involved in illegal coursing will be trespassing on land and when confronted often use threatening and intimidating behaviour, and in some cases violence, which is wholly unacceptable. Coursers take advantage of wide open farm land in order to either systematically walk or drive across the field to set their dogs on to hares. In some cases often betting thousands of pounds on the resulting chase. When challenged by the police they will often claim to be just walking the dog. In truth those involved know exactly what they are doing and will often see the coursing activity as an opportunity What to look out for... Residents being alert to suspicious activity and reporting it promptly helps police trace offenders, their associates and their vehicles. Sergeant Walshaw said: Some of the key signs for residents to look out for include: vehicles parked on verges, in lay-bys or on bridleways; lines of people walking through fields with dogs, trying to raise hare or game, and damage to gates and boundaries around land. You can prevent hare coursing by ensuring boundaries are secure and difficult to access. Documenting vehicle details and passing them to police helps us in early intervention. to recce rural properties to identify possible further criminal opportunities and exit and access routes. Those involved demonstrate no consideration for property often causing damage to fences, gates and crops by driving vehicles across them. It has been known for coursers to leave gates open allowing farmer s pedigree stock to mix and so impacting on the breeding integrity of the herd, costing thousands. They certainly show no compassion for the hare, who can be chased sometimes by more than one dog until it is finally caught or exhausted, then savaged to death. Helping police trace vehicles involved in hare coursing, poaching and lamping is where the eyes and ears within rural communities can be vital. Sergeant Walshaw said: Where possible we need registration numbers of vehicles involved so we can pay these people a visit and place section 59 warnings on them. I know that these can be difficult to obtain but this will enable us to seize vehicles if they are found being driven off road in the future. The team have already issued section 59 warnings and seized vehicles suspected to be involved in such activities. In one recent incident a Jeep Cherokee was found abandoned in Charing which matched a description given of a vehicle involved in hare coursing and driving across crops reported by landowners from Charing, Stalisfield, Wilgate Green, Doddington and Throwley. It was uninsured, had previous keeper details only and had clearly been driven across land and involved in lamping. As a result it was seized as used in crime. In another incident a Suzuki Vitara was reported as linked to driving over land and potential hare coursing in Goodnestone and Woodnesborough. Police traced the vehicle and seized it from a car park in Dunkirk. Where possible we need registration numbers of vehicles involved so we can pay these people a visit and place section 59 warnings on them. I know that these can be difficult to obtain but this will enable us to seize vehicles if they are found being driven off road in the future Walshaw Illegal fishing The rural team work with the Environment Agency through Operation Dew to deal with poaching of fish stocks and potential links to other crimes. Walshaw said: We ve received several reports relating to illegal fishing over the summer. These ranged from local youths to more organised groups possibly committing offences. The team are fully aware of the locations and continue to pay attention to these areas to support the landowners. The maximum fine for not having a rod licence is 2,500. If people don t have permission to fish on private stretches of river they may be committing an offence of Theft of Fishing Rights and as well as prosecution, have fishing equipment seized. Poaching hotspot drug arrest While on patrol in a previous poaching hotspot off Moor Lane, Woodchurch, Ashford, rural PCs Nick Lingham and Marc Pennicott passed an opening to a field. Inside was a small hatchback behind a hedgerow hiding it from the road. The occupants were stop checked, a search carried out and both dealt with for drug offences. Lamping warning Following a report of overnight lamping, the East rural team visited an address in Canterbury in relation to issuing a section 59 warning to the driver of a 4x4 vehicle used on private land near Goodnestone. A warning will be issued which will allow police to seize any vehicle this person drives off road in the next year. 4 5

4 Latest news News in brief Daytime farm raids Op Unripe targeting soft fruit thefts News in brief Water vole concern Officers investigated reports of large scale destruction of land near Sheerness Holiday Park, believed to be a habitat for water voles. The site was visited and the rural team is currently liaising with Natural England, the Environment Agency, the local authority and an ecologist in relation to the incident. Bat habitation destruction The rural team are investigating two reports of bat habitat destruction. One report in the Edenbridge area is being reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution. The second report was in the Ashford area. The team, who are all fully trained wildlife crime officers, are investigating. Saddles and rural theft items recovered Investigating reports of a stolen bike at an address near Sevenoaks rural and local officers carried out a search warrant and arrested two people after seven stolen saddles and numerous petrol powered equipment, suspected to be from rural burglaries, were found along with a stolen trailer believed linked to the stolen bike. Obstacle race Rural officers taking part at a community event at Milestone Academy, Ash, took part in an obstacle race and raised 100 for the specialist school for children with disabilities. Pupils were able to look around a police vehicle, have fingerprints taken and visitors learned how the rural team combat crime in rural communities. Farmers and landowners are being warned about unusual vehicles driving onto their property which may be scouting to steal. The rural team investigated two incidents on the Kent Sussex border where a blue Mercedes estate drove onto farms during the day. The occupants stole a chainsaw outside a barn at one and in the second incident hooked up a trailer with an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV), making off at speed and almost running people over. The Mercedes was later found burned out at Lenham. The Rural PC Dan Perry said: It s so important people report any unusual vehicles driving onto their property as the majority of the time it s a scouting trip, and if the opportunities arises they will steal items quickly. Targeting criminals active in rural communities Villages around South Maidstone were the focus of join activity focusing on intelligence about criminals active within rural communities. The Rural Liaison Team worked with the Maidstone Community Policing Team across Smarden, Cranbrook and Hawkhurst through to Tunbridge Wells borders. A Ford Transit towing an Ifor Williams horse box was stopped on Sutton Road Maidstone. Following checks with the Police National Computer and Ifor Williams, it was seized as suspected as stolen. Another Ifor Williams horse box was also stopped and checked with Ifor Williams, showing it recorded as stolen in Inquiries are continuing. The driver of a black Ford Focus stopped on the A229 between Cranbrook and Hawkhurst initially gave false details, but his identity was established and he was reported for having no insurance. In Smarden a vehicle which made off from the patrols was stopped near Marden High Street. The passenger was arrested for possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Stolen vehicle found after seven years The stolen ATV which is still missing. A Gator utility vehicle dumped in woodland had been stolen locally seven years before. The rural team worked with the National Farmers Union, Edenbridge, following a tip and found it tucked away off the main road. They used their own vehicle to tow it out, as the recovery agents couldn t recover it from the location. The owner was amazed it turned up intact after so many years. As a county boasting large numbers of fruit growers Kent farmers work with police to catch and prevent thieves intent on stealing produce. Operation Unripe was launched by Kent Police last year to target and deal with organised criminality around the theft of soft fruit from Kent growers. A number of thefts reported over the summer in the north and west of the county and in Faversham, Tonbridge and Malling and Maidstone are being investigated and prosecutions expected. Rural Sergeant Darren Walshaw said: Three people have been arrested for theft and other suspects have been identified and are being targeted in relation to further offences. In one incident at a farm in Graveney, near Faversham, a man was reported in strawberry fields who d been abusive to staff when confronted. He was identified, visited by police and arrested for other matters. The same company reported other offences, resulting in a woman receiving a 90 Penalty Notice for theft of strawberries and a man from Thanet cautioned for theft. In another case at a farm in Langley, Maidstone, there were three separate reports of theft of fruit. The farm was able to provide details of suspect vehicles to the rural team. In another incident in Tonge, near Sittingbourne, three men were caught in the fruit tunnels and arrested. A suspect vehicle was also seen in a cherry orchard in Norton near Faversham. Sgt Walshaw said: Those who steal fruit from these farms not only affect their livelihood they also cause damage. We work closely with farmers and urge them to gain as much information as they can around suspect vehicles and activity. We also provide crime prevention advice. Follow the team on You Tube shows ancient monument damage A You Tube video alerted rural officers to damage to a Scheduled Ancient Monument in Dungeness and disturbance to a specific site of scientific interest. Walshaw said: You Tube video footage showed the suspects causing the damage to protected sound mirrors, probably without realising their historic value. An action plan has been developed with Historic England and the investigation is still on going. Rural team carry defibrillators The rural teams all carry defibrillators in their vehicles due to the often out of the way locations where they work. The east team were recently called to two reported cardiac arrests. Drone alert The rural team have investigated recent incidents involving drones. A farmer, concerned about filming on private land and the effect on his cattle, reported flying on the Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey Investigations revealed a visitor filming the countryside. Officers gave advice about civil trespass and potential livestock worrying. Another report of drone offences in a cattle yard in the Longfield area is being investigated. Under Air Navigation Order regulations owners must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit aircraft to endanger person or property. 6 7

5 County round-up Rural duo s award for partnership and reducing crime Rural team out and about News in brief Two of the force s Rural Liaison Team have been recognised by council leaders for their efforts to cut rural crime and build up community partnerships. PC Reed being presented with his award by Councillor Gerry Lewin, acting as Leader of the Council during the ceremony PCs Preston Frost and Darren Reed from the North rural team recently won the Partnership in Practice award at the 2017 Swale Stars which recognises staff from partner organisations who go the extra mile to help make the area a better place. Their nomination from the Community Safety Unit said: They continually strive to eradicate rural crime and have built excellent relationships with borough councillors and wider partners to ensure information is shared quickly and issues resolved. Councillor Andrew Bowles, leader of the council, said: PC Reed and PC Frost have played a vital role in helping to keep our rural communities safe for many years. Their PC Frost, who was presented with his award by Leader of the Council Andrew Bowles at Swale Borough Council Chambers collaborative approach to policing is one that benefits all agencies working to protect and support the people of Swale. Both officers do tremendous credit to Kent Police and I look forward to continuing to work with them and the rural team at Kent Police in future. Engaging with local events provides great opportunities for Kent Police teams to speak to rural communities. Rural officers have attended several events in the last few months to listen to people s concerns and promote the work they do. They included an event at Ryarsh School, which has pupils from rural areas including Birling, Trosley, Leybourne, Vigo and Snodland, which attracted around 600 people. Rural PC Nick Lingham engages with the crowd at the Kent Police Open Day in July, which attracted more than 13,000 visitors During the summer the team supported LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) National Farm Open Days attending several events countywide at Glovers Farm, Hartley Bottom Road, Langdon Manor, Graveney Road, Faversham, BrockHill Farm Saltwood, Hythe, Karoben, Park Farm Smarden and Court Lodge Farm, Bishopbourne. Walshaw said: The farm open day events were very well supported and gave the team the opportunity to speak and engage with the rural community. The children and adults were able to engage with officers, learn about policing in their communities, our work to tackle rural criminality and to get hands on experiences with police equipment and vehicles. Children were given the opportunity to have their fingerprints taken and given a copy of their unique print to take home. Officers injured stopping burglary suspect A man who tried to escape from police was pursued and stopped by rural officers in the Ramsgate area. PC Preston Frost and Sergeant Darren Walshaw were injured as they restrained the man, wanted for 11 offences, mainly house burglaries. He s now in prison. Hedge row damage Rural officers have investigated several reports of wildlife crime around cutting of hedgerows and subsequent disturbance and destruction of nesting birds. Landowners are being advised to be aware of this offence and seek advice. Fly tipping big fines issued Kent Police Rural Liaison Team works closely with Kent County Council and local authorities to investigate and bring fly tippers who blight the countryside to justice. The statutory power to deal with fly tipping lies with the Environment Agency and local authorities but rural PC Marc Pennicott sits on a fly tipping working group which has improved information and intelligence sharing between Kent Police and local councils. The rural team works with them through Operation Assist to tackle fly tipping. Results: Recent Medway Magistrates Court results brought under the Environment Act include: an Aylesford man fined 1,500 for a fly tip at City Way Rochester in May 2016; a Northfleet man and woman fined 1,000 each for a fly tip at Common Lane, Cliffe in January 2017; a Chatham man fined 1,000 for a fly tip at Shawstead Road, Chatham, on November They were also ordered to pay costs and victim surcharges. Country Eye Helping Keep the Rural Community in Kent Safe To download the free app go to the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for Country Eye info@countryeye.co.uk Thanks for your officers role at LEAF farm day Thank you for sending PCs Nick Lingham and Marc Pennicott from your rural policing team to our LEAF Open Farm Sunday on 11 June. We had an amazing day with somewhere between 1,800 and 2,000 visitors. It was really good to have your officers join us and they formed an integral part of the event. They were both pretty-well mobbed for the whole day and I don t think either of them had the chance to leave their post from the moment we opened our gates at 11am until the last visitors left around 5pm. We were pleased to see so many people talking to them, and were really impressed by the friendly and engaging way that they interacted with the public. We found the day a valuable opportunity to engage with the public on a whole range of agricultural and rural issues and were pleased that Kent Police were prepared to join us in that endeavour. Your officers were tirelessly patient, friendly and fun and really helped to make the day memorable for many of our visitors. Many thanks for lending them to us for the day. Helen Glover Smith on behalf of HF & JH Glover Op targets stolen farm machinery A three day joint operation at the Dartford River Crossing was targeted at detecting stolen agricultural equipment. Organised by rural PC Dan Perry, Kent Police worked with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS) to recover stolen property such as farm machinery, trailers, horse boxes, plant and caravans. Kent Police s Commercial Vehicle Unit was there on one day, leading to around 1,800 in fines issued around driver hours. Vehicles were stopped and a suspected stolen road roller recovered. Traffic offences were dealt with at the roadside and officers responded to Automatic Number Plate Recognition activations around suspected stolen vehicles and those involved in crime. Follow the team on 8 9

6 County round-up Special report Don t be tricked by courier scams Wild bird trapping and cruelty to dog couple in court Several cases have been reported across Kent in recent months where mostly elderly victims have handed over thousands of pounds after being tricked into thinking they ve been helping police investigations. Kent Police fraud investigators are reminding people how to spot signs of courier scams. They usually start with someone phoning and pretending to be a police officer claiming money from the person s account is being used to pay for goods which haven t been ordered. They ll claim the person s bank is holding counterfeit money, and they need help to investigate. Victims are asked to withdraw cash to be used as evidence, with arrangements made for a courier to collect it. Variations include people claiming to be from Trading Standards or other trusted organisations. Incidents include a woman in her 90s who received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank. Twenty minutes later a courier visited her in the Tonbridge area and gave her a false bank card in exchange for her genuine one, which was then used to withdraw money. Another pensioner lost a significant Heritage Watch help protect our history The rural team works closely with Heritage Watch to protect the county s many sites of historical and cultural value. A Heritage Watch Conference will be held at Leeds Castle in the New Year and the Kent Heritage Watch Steering Committee recently met at the venue. Chairman of Kent Heritage Watch and Leeds Castle Security Manager, Kelvin Wood, said: At the September Heritage Watch meeting we reported progress is good, with plenty of activity countywide. I d like to thank Kent Police for its support and Brook Security for their continued contribution through sponsorship. Discussions focused on further awareness of the Country Eye app and plans for the Heritage Watch Kent Conference at Leeds Castle on 7 February This is expected to attract around 50 delegates representing Kent Police, heritage crime prevention organisations and heritage venues across Kent. Rural PC Darren Reed, who leads for heritage crime for Kent Police, said: Our county is rich in heritage with many locations that are either private, open to On 13 September rural officers assisted Swale Borough Council and the Forestry Commission in an investigation into large scale destruction of an ancient woodland, near Dunkirk, which was protected by tree preservation orders. The investigation by the council is ongoing. amount after being told she was eligible for compensation due to rogue traders carrying out unnecessary roof repairs. A courier claiming to represent Trading Standards collected the cash, which she was told was needed for tax purposes. Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur said: Police officers will never request your bank details or ask you to withdraw money for any reason. We will also never ask you to transfer money, purchase goods on our behalf or send someone to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book. If you re given any of these instructions, it is a fraudulent approach. Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line and call your bank or card issuer on their advertised numbers to report the fraud. Terry Roffey, Director, Brook Security (second left) Kelvin Wood, Chairman of Heritage Watch Kent (second from right) Kent Police Rural Liaison PC Preston Frost, Sgt Darren Walshaw and PC Darren Reed the public, under the sea or yet to be excavated, which hold immense historical and cultural value. We have active investigations on a daily basis for offences ranging from theft to criminal damage and disturbance of these sites. It s extremely important to safeguard them and the continued support of Heritage Watch and Country Eye app forms part of the strategy to target those involved in these crimes. Country Eye Helping Keep the Rural Community in Kent Safe To download the free app go to the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for Country Eye info@countryeye.co.uk A man arrested for trapping wild birds was also convicted in court for deliberate and callous cruelty to a little dog. The terrier, called Frances, was kept tethered to a chain embedded in faeces and frozen by ice. David William Lee, 51, and Lydia Ann Lee, 54, both of The Oaks, Radfall Ride, Whitstable, were banned from keeping animals for life. Working with Kent Police following a tip off, RSPCA Inspector Carroll Lamport arrived at the property on 17 January to investigate wild bird trapping and keeping. He said: It was a very upsetting scene. I found the little dog frozen to the floor of the kennel as the chain was frozen fast. This was a very nasty case of a deliberate act of long term cruelty as the trapping of birds is a planned act, and this was coupled with the long term neglect of the pitiful little dog that I found in filthy, wet and frozen conditions where they lived within feet of the kennel. The couple were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to Frances, who was kept with no bedding or dry lying place. Rural officers work with bird experts and the RSPCA to clamp down on the trapping and keeping of wild birds. Being in possession of wild birds unlawfully, or traps to catch them, are offences along with failing to show such birds are not taken from the wild. Rural PC Dan Perry said: Trapping of wild birds is something we come across a fair amount, it can be fairly lucrative and people go to the extent of forging the bird rings. We work closely with the RSPCA and will plan warrants based on intelligence they receive. This type of offence is usually coupled with other offences. Mr Lee was also charged with possession of live wild birds 12 goldfinches and a redpoll as well as intentionally taking wild birds and possessing traps. They appeared at Folkestone Magistrates Court on 30 August. Mr Lamport said: We found wild birds in cages in his shed and two set traps. British wild birds are caught and bred or sold to make money. A lot die from stress or poor keeping practice during this process. Mr Lee was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, and an 18- week curfew. He was also ordered to pay 750 in costs and a 115 victim surcharge. Mrs Lee was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for two years, and a 12-week curfew. She was also ordered to pay 300 in costs and a 115 victim surcharge. Frances was treated for mange and malnourishment. Mr Lamport said: This was a very upsetting and unnecessary case of deliberate planned and callous cruelty. A big thank you to Kent Police rural team for their help. The little dog was successfully rehomed Birds and traps seized under Wildlife Act Frances after being rescued Some of the cages used to store the birds and after a lot of veterinary attention, is doing really well. Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott The rural team joined the RSPCA and a bird expert to execute a warrant under the Wildlife Act in Gravesend. Officers found three bird cages in the lounge containing 13 goldfinches, a siskin and a dead goldfinch. None had rings. In the garden they discovered a cage trap a bird feeder with glue sticks attached and a tube of specific glue to trap the birds. The occupant was reported for offences and the birds signed over to the RSPCA to release back to the wild. RSPCA Inspector Carroll Lamport said: Experts deem as severe cruelty the trapping and confining of wild birds. One of the garden traps joined rural officers and the RSPCA at the scene to see first hand the work the rural team do with partners

7 Partnerships Working with partners to protect rural communities The Kent Police Rural Liaison Team is a Tactical Operations team of six officers from the Rural Task Force, led by Inspector Dave Smith and Walshaw split into three teams of two covering the North, East and West Districts of the county. The team also come together to deal with specific county crime. The team are responsible for targeting and dealing with active criminals committing crime in their respective rural wards as well as being a point of contact for help and advice in relation to Wildlife Crime, Heritage Crime and Environmental Crime and work closely with agencies such as the RSPCA, RSPB, Environment Agency, Maritime Coastguard Agency and local councils. The team use their expertise to support Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, PCSOs or core response officers. The team are all fully trained Wildlife Crime Officers. Follow the team on Key partners working with Kent Police to keep rural communities safe CRAG Crime Rural Advisory Group CRAG, formed in 2012, brings together main rural stakeholders, including the National Farmers Union and Country Land & Business Association representing a large percentage of land occupancy countywide. They bring their own insights to CRAG to help keep Kent Police informed on ever-changing issues in rural Kent. michael.bax@btfpartnership.co.uk phone: Michael Bax Kent Association of Local Councils KALC is a not for profit membership organisation serving member parish and town councils and parish meetings in Kent and Medway. It offers training, advice and services to member councils. KLAC works with rural officers to disseminate information on their behalf, and to gather crime information from towns and parishes. kalc@kentalc.gov.uk phone: National Farmers Union The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members. Around 70 per cent of full time farmers are NFU members. They aim to support Kent Police to engage with members extensive local knowledge, working in partnership with CRAG and other stake holder organisations. isobel.bretherton@nfu.org.uk phone: Kent Fire and Rescue Service Kent Fire and Rescue Service is responsible for delivering fire and rescue services to more than 1.7 million people. Each year fire officers deal with around 16,500 incidents including road crashes, house and barn fires and more than 2,400 non-fire rescues. KFRS works with the Kent Police, NFU, and CRAG to provide safety and risk reduction advice to support the agricultural business community. enquiries@kentfire-uk.org phone: Historic England Historic England is a public body which looks after England s historic environment. There are over 400,000 protected sites and buildings in England and Historic England works across a range of partnership to prevent the loss and damage to our shared cultural heritage. Former Kent police officer Mark Harrison advises the organisation and works closely with rural officers and CRAG. southeast@historicengland.org.uk phone: