Countryside and Rural Watch
Countryside Users against Rural Crime
Rural crime can be difficult to address because the remote locations where incidents occur can be a distance from the nearest support service.
Countryside users, landowners, and residents can be very helpful as they provide eyes and ears on the ground and can supply valuable information to the emergency services. The Green Lane Association has working relationships with various local authorities and police forces who appreciate feedback about what our members see while out and about.
This guide aims to help people to understand how you can be of assistance if you see something that concerns you while living, working, or visiting the countryside.
The list below gives examples of incidents you may come across and who to report it to. It is important that you remember, note down, or record as much information as possible, but never put yourself at risk to do so.
Useful advice:
- Identify the location clearly using road names, nearby junctions, or landmarks. Consider downloading the what3words app.
- Try to remember or note down as much identifying information as possible about people or vehicles that are involved, and the direction that they leave the scene
- Take photographs or video but only if it is safe to do so
NEVER
- Put yourself at risk to gather evidence.
- Try to tackle the problem yourself
- Approach people or try to engage someone you believe is committing an offence
- Use 999 when it is not an emergency
ALWAYS
- Try to remember as much as possible
- Report it as soon as possible
- Remove yourself from any danger and find a safe place to stop and report it
- Report it to the relevant organisation, this saves time and is more likely to get the best outcome
| Problem | Who to report it to | How to contact them |
|---|---|---|
| Fly-tipping, graffiti, or litter | Litter, small scale rubbish, or graffiti should be reported to the local council | www.fixmystreet.com or contact your council directly |
| Large scale or hazardous waste should be reported to Crimestoppers | 0880 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org |
|
| If you witness a large scale incident in progress | 999 | |
| Escaped animals | The landowner if you can | |
| Motorways and A Roads: The Highways Agency (England) Traffic Wales |
0300 123 5000 0845 602 6020 |
|
| On minor roads call the police | 101, or if there is serious danger 999 | |
| Dead animals | If you have hit and killed a dog, sheep, pig, goat, cow, or a donkey, mule, or horse, you must report it to the police within 24 hours. | 101 |
| On an A road call: The Highways Agency (England) or Traffic Wales |
0300 123 5000 0845 602 6020 |
|
| On a minor road | Call your local council | |
| Injured domestic animals on roads | 101 | |
| Seriously injured animals, call the RSPCA | 0300 1234 999 | |
| Dead waterfoul, birds of prey, or more than 5 dead birds, call DEFRA | 03459 33 55 77 | |
| Firearms offences It can be difficult to know if a firearm is being used legally or illegally. |
If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of others, or are threatened with a firearm | 999 |
| If you see something you are unsure about that is not immediately dangerous | Call 101 who will be able to advise the best course of action | |
| Use of rights of way Walkers, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn carts/carriages/traps, motorcyclists, and vehicles can legally use unsurfaced rights of way in the UK, although there are rules on where each type of user can legally travel. (See the Green Lane Association’s Smile & Wave information for more details |
If you believe someone is trespassing | Call your local council |
| If you believe someone is trespassing with the intent to commit a crime | Call 999 if the crime is in progress | |
| Trespass in a vehicle is a criminal offence | Call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 | |
| Obstructions or repair issues | Report it on www.fixmystreet.com
or contact the local council. You can also contact your Green Lane Association Area Representative |
|
| Accidents It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident or to not report it within 24 hours |
Report road traffic accidents to the police | 999 for serious incidents and the ambulance service, or 101 to report minor incidents to the police |
| In the case of injury (caused by any circumstance) that is serious, call for an ambulance | 999 | |
| Theft, hare coursing, poaching, criminal damage | If you witness a crime that is still in progress | 999 |
| If you have discovered an incident has occurred | 101 | |
| Anti-social behaviour | For serious incidents in progress | 999 |
| If you have discovered an incident has occurred | 101 |
