RECORD numbers of rural residents and businesses across south Warwickshire have been supported with crime prevention advice over the past year.
The Rural Crime Advisor service supported 780 people in the area during 2025/26 thanks to a programme jointly funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire and Stratford District Council.
The service focuses on prevention, practical advice and reassurance, helping people take proportionate steps to reduce risk and feel more confident in their communities. Over the past year crime prevention event engagement increased by 73 per cent, residential crime prevention referrals rose by more than 350 per cent and loans of security equipment increased by 47 per cent.
And thanks to additional funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund to increase working hours, the rural crime advisors, Rebecca and Ali have been able to extend their support to the community extensively in the past year.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire Philip Seccombe said: “Reaching record numbers of residents and businesses with practical prevention advice is exactly what this programme is designed to do. By working in partnership with Stratford District Council, we are helping rural communities take straightforward steps to protect themselves and their property.
“Ensuring support is accessible and focused on prevention is a key part of reducing harm and maintaining confidence in local services.”
A key area of growth has been support for residents in their own homes, with more people requesting tailored crime prevention visits following engagement at community events.
SDC’s law spokesperson Coun Natalie Gist added: “The work of the Rural Crime Advisors is very valuable to our rural communities. The joint approach between Stratford District Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner is helping us reach more people across our rural communities with practical advice and support.
“The strong level of engagement shows that residents and businesses value crime prevention and are taking positive steps to protect themselves, supported by a service that is accessible and responsive to local, rural needs across the district .”
The programme also supports wider community safety priorities, including helping residents and businesses protect themselves from vehicle‑related crime, raising awareness of livestock worrying, and working with partners on local issues such as environmental crime.
Both organisations will continue to work together to ensure that rural communities have access to effective prevention advice and support tailored to local needs.
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk/online-forms/rural-crime-advisor-enquiry.cfm for more details.
