WEST Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour is to discuss concerns over increasing levels of rural crime with Policing Minister Sarah Jones.

Mrs Gilmour will sit down with the Minister in the House of Commons on January 13.

It follows Mrs Gilmour asking the Minister for ‘reassurance’ on behalf of her constituents that extra resources would be put into tackling rural crime.

She highlighted cases of crime in the constituency, including one where 1,500 chickens were stolen from a farm.

Mrs Gilmour told the Minister: “I would like to discuss how we can place rural crime prevention on a higher footing, when compared to urban-centred crime, and what can be done to ensure more rural crimes are adequately dealt with, thereby increasing the proportion of my rural constituents who believe their reports will be taken seriously, and solved.”

She has previously called for dedicated police squads to tackle rural crime across the constituency, and welcomed Government plans to scrap police and crime commissioners from 2028, which was ‘long overdue’.

NFU Mutual statistics showed a 168.7 per cent increase in rural thefts across Somerset between 2023-2024 costed at more than £2.1 million.

Mrs Gilmour said: “I am pleased the Minister has agreed to meet with me after hearing my concerns about the increase in rural crime in Tiverton and Minehead.

“I have been working closely with both police and crime commissioners in Somerset and Devon to ensure resources are being allocated to deal with the surge in cases.

“But, what has become increasingly clear is, a comprehensive and joined-up strategy from central Government is required.

“The NFU’s statistics are extremely concerning, and I know livelihoods are at risk.

“I now look forward to working with the Minister in the New Year to make sure there is both a short and long-term plan in place to reduce crime in our area.”