Rural Crime - Question

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 11:18 am on 9 May 2024.

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Photo of The Earl of Shrewsbury The Earl of Shrewsbury Conservative 11:18, 9 May 2024

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that reply. Rural theft cost the UK £49.5 million in 2022 and that overall trend is increasing exponentially today. Fly-tipping continues to be the most prolific form of rural crime. Is my noble friend satisfied that the punishments meted out to those who commit rural crime—if indeed they are caught—provide an effective deterrent? Does he agree with me that the results of the recent election of police and crime commissioners provide an opportunity for those elected to prove their support for rural issues, especially in the fight against rural crime?