Police to host webchat on rural crime

CHESHIRE Police are to host a webchat on Monday, November 16 tackling the burning issue of rural crime.
Anyone with a question on the issue will be able to speak to Chief Constable Simon Byrne and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer.
The Constabulary has just finished its mammoth “100 Days of Rural Crime” campaign which, every day, highlighted an aspect of rural crime that affects local communities in Cheshire and what police are doing to try to tackle it.
The campaign covered a range of issues, including badger baiting, theft of farm machinery, poaching, night hawking and speed enforcement on rural roads.
The webchat offers an opportunity to ask further questions on the work that officers are undertaking in this area, and to find out more about  getting involved in helping police to keep rural communities safe.
A police spokesman said: “This is a rare opportunity to have direct contact with the two most influential men in your police force, from the comfort of your own home.
“We want to hear from members of our rural communities about whether you feel you were aware of the rural campaign, whether it effectively tackled issues or any other feedback you might have. We also want to know whether there are any particular issues in this area that weren’t covered that our specialist officers can assist with.
“We also have a very strong focus on volunteers at Cheshire Constabulary, who play a pivotal role in how we deliver policing in Cheshire and there are a range of initiatives where we work with the public to tackle these types of crime, such as Horse Watch, Cycle Watch and Rural Watch. This webchat is an opportunity to find out more about those too.”
The webchat will predominantly be focused on rural crime, but there is also the chance to ask about other areas too – including police recruitment plans and volunteering opportunities.
There may also be a change to ask the PCC about funding opportunities for rural projects.
The webchat will run from 7pm until 8.30pm on Monday, November 16.
Get involved by logging onto the Cheshire police website at www.cheshire.police.uk/ruralchat, through Twitter using #ruralchat, or by sending questions in advance by emailing [email protected]