Northumberland councillor warns of rural crime crisis after 211 offences recorded this year

Rothbury councillor Steven Bridgett has created a map which shows rural crime reported across the county between January 1 and October 11 2026.

The map does focuses on incidents involving farming, forestry, wildlife and related rural activities, including reported and suspected offences, attempted thefts and suspicious activity.

Cllr Steven Bridgett said: "It is an incomplete picture because Northumbria Police do not release details of every rural crime through their public alerts.

"Even with those gaps, it makes deeply worrying viewing."

The map shows 211 rural crimes, including 50 reports involving quad or ATV thefts and attempted thefts.

Cllr Bridgett added: "That is staggering. It is quite literally an epidemic that is at crisis point.

"Behind those dots are farmers, families and businesses dealing with lost equipment, damaged property, disrupted livelihoods and the fear that offenders will return."

Cllr Bridgett is now calling for an increase in dedicated rural crime officers and for police to release a more in-depth, accessible picture of rural crime, outlining what is being done to tackle the issue.

He added: "Our rural communities deserve a visible rural police presence and resources that reflect the area they cover and the crime they face."

Chief Inspector Jonathan Caisley, of Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Policing team in Northumberland, commented: “I would like to reassure our local communities that we are committed to tackling rural crime and understand the devastating impact it can have on people’s livelihoods.

“We continue to work with residents, community groups and businesses to provide support from police and partner agencies to protect their property against crime.

“We also actively look to establish links between crimes and then treat them as such when we investigate, so that crimes are not considered in isolation.

“Suspicious behaviour and vehicles need to be reported to us as soon as possible, so we can build on our comprehensive intelligence picture and put measures in place to address offending.

“Targeting our rural areas will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work with our neighbouring forces and partners to clamp down on this kind of offending.

"We also regularly update our communities with operational and engagement activities on our social media channels, including the Nextdoor platform."