Rural crime rockets. We are at "tipping point" say Avon and Somerset Police Chiefs.

Last month the front page headline of the Western Daily Press (August 14) informed us that “Rural crime rockets” in Somerset and Gloucestershire.  Next I read Martin Hesp’s column (Western Daily Press, September 6) in which he reveals that one of his farming friends told him: “There seems to be a wave of rural crime going on . . .".  Now the Western Daily Press (September 19), reports that Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens and Chief Constable Andy Marsh warn that Avon and Somerset Police are at “tipping point” as a result of having 655 fewer officers than in 2010.  They say that resources cannot be stretched any further.

The reduction in manpower has gone hand in hand with the closure of rural police stations.  In such circumstances it is hardly surprising that rural crime has rocketed. 

In Ilminster the former police station is being converted into 7 apartments.  The building will be named, appropriately, Peel Court.  Regrettably there will no longer be any “peelers” on the premises. 

The former police station in Ilminster, South Somerset is being converted into 7 apartments.  The building will be named, appropriately, Peel Court.