PCC meets Wiltshire farmers for frank conversations at NFU Barn Day

Farmers from across south Wiltshire have taken part in frank conversations with Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, and officers from Wiltshire Police at a specially convened “Barn Day” held by the National Farmers Union in Fovant earlier this week.

The Police and Crime Commissioner heard about the issues facing the agricultural industry and was told of one farm which has reported twenty crimes so far this year and spoke to another farmer who had lost around three hundred thousand pounds over the last two years as a result of criminal damage and rural crime.

Mr Wilkinson spoke about the importance of regional collaboration with other forces and how he would like to see the successful “Operation Ragwort” model for rural crime, where Wiltshire Police shares intelligence and resources with other forces in the south-west, expanded across the south of England, highlighting how a similar model was already working amongst police forces in the north.

He also talked about financial pressures facing Wiltshire Police and how, whilst this year’s budget shortfall of £6.8M could be met following this year’s Home Office funding allocation, it would be unsustainable if next year’s allocation once again failed to meet rising costs.

The Police and Crime Commissioner said:

“Living in a rural part of Wiltshire, I regularly meet with our farming community and I’m well aware of the issues they face, not only in terms of rural crime, but with regards to a whole range of topics.

“Meeting them in a forum like this, where we could focus solely on policing and criminal justice gave me the opportunity to explain to them the work Wiltshire Police is doing to tackle rural crime and why it’s important for them to report incidents as and when they happen.

“Some of our discussions were robust, and I hope that the farmers have gone away with the confidence that I am fighting their corner and we are working hard in collaboration with our regional colleagues as well as our neighbours in Hampshire and Thames Valley, to protect the homes and livelihoods of our rural communities.”

As part of the day, Rural Crime Operational Lead, T/Chief Inspector Andy Lemon, and Sgt Rob Goacher talked about the whole force response policy, which places specialist rural crime officers alongside neighbourhood, response, and detective units to tackle issues like poaching and agricultural theft and hare coursing.

T/Chief Inspector Lemon said:

“Our officers have forged strong relationships with our rural communities, but this was a good opportunity to outline our successes so far this year and to hear their concerns.

“They’re able to hear our plans for the future and give their input on the things we can do to provide a more effective service.”

More Barn Days are planned for later this year with the NFU looking to hold one in north Wiltshire.

Katie Davies is the NFU County Adviser for Wiltshire:

“We have had good feedback from our members and they really appreciated the opportunity to speak to the Police and Crime Commissioner and the team from Wiltshire Police.

“Days like this give the farming community the chance to air their views and make suggestions about how they can work with the police to protect our rural communities.”

Published Friday 5 September 2025