Kemi Badenoch MP brings community together to help tackle rural crime in North West Essex
Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, co-hosted a rural crime forum at Ugley Village Hall with Essex Police.
The forum, held as part of National Rural Crime Action Week 2025, brought together local residents, farmers, and rural stakeholders alongside Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team and the National Farmers Union. The purpose was to give local people a platform to share their experiences of rural crime, hear updates from the police, and discuss what more can be done to tackle the challenges rural communities face.
Attendees raised persistent concerns such as tool theft, fly-tipping, farm and vehicle theft, and police visibility. Police officers and community representatives highlighted the work already underway to combat these issues, including dedicated rural patrols and engagement schemes, but also stressed the importance of continued collaboration with residents to prevent and deter crime.
Mrs Badenoch said the forum was about showing that the concerns of rural communities are being taken seriously and that action must follow words. She highlighted the Conservative record of cutting rural crime and introducing new powers to strengthen police response, while warning that Labour’s cuts and misplaced priorities are undermining efforts to keep rural areas safe.
Commenting, Mrs Badenoch Badenoch MP said:
“Rural crime affects livelihoods, family businesses, and whole communities.
“That is why we brought residents, farmers and the police together today: to listen, to learn, and to act. The Conservatives have shown we will back our rural communities with more officers and stronger powers, and I will keep fighting to make sure North West Essex gets the support it needs.”
Commenting, Roger Hirst, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“Listening to communities is at the heart of effective policing. Forums like this give residents the chance to raise their concerns directly and allow us to work together on practical solutions. Rural communities deserve to feel safe, and we will keep investing in dedicated resources to make sure they are.”
Thanks to Cllr Iona Parker for the photo
