EAST Sussex is home to some of the most iconic landscapes in the country – from the Seven Sisters and South Downs National Park to the High Weald, the Long Man of Wilmington and, of course, the historic site of the Battle of Hastings.
The area is also renowned for its thriving sheep farms and vineyards, producing some of the very best local food and drink. With 85% of East Sussex classified as rural (higher than the South East average of 78.5%), its countryside is both vast and vital to those who live and work within it.
Spring brings the arrival of a change in legislation to protect farmers and their sheep, especially during lambing season. A new law that became active this month, gives stronger protection to farm animals in England and Wales by increasing the penalties for livestock worrying.
The maximum fine has risen from £1,000 to an unlimited amount and police can now seize dogs suspected of attacking livestock too. The strengthened powers aim to reduce financial and emotional stress for farmers and prevent further harm to livestock and rural communities. I am pleased to say that Sussex Police are already well versed in the new legislation to protect our farmers and their flocks.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful part of the county to convene a Rural Crime Roundtable with local farmers and landowners.
The visit was hosted by Martin Hole, National Farmers Union Chair, at Montague Farm which has a remarkable collection of 18th‑century barns and courtyards and is home to grass‑fed Romney Marsh ewes and Sussex cattle grazing against a breathtaking backdrop.
Regrettably, our expansive countryside is exploited by criminals. Hare coursing, a cruel and illegal activity, remains a significant concern for many of the farmers I spoke to. Offenders trespass onto land, cause damage and then harm hares for profit by livestreaming the abuse to online bettors, often based as far away as China.
One farmer explained he had faced weekly incidents of hare coursing. Once offenders realise their patterns have been noticed, they simply alter their tactics to avoid detection. The speed of a police response and understanding of the nature of rural crime is paramount to farm and landowners, especially with crimes like hare coursing.
No one should have to endure hare coursing – and especially not 52 times over one year. If any other crime, such as stalking or domestic abuse occurred at that frequency, it would be unthinkable to “put up with it.”
This is exactly why specialist teams like our Rural Crime Team are essential and why I’ve worked with the Chief Constable to establish this dedicated policing function for our rural communities. They hold the right expertise, understand the terrain and recognise the profound effect rural crime has on local communities – and crucially enforce action to stop criminals in their tracks.
Cross‑border criminality and organised crime gangs (OCGs) have also been raised as major concerns. Along the East Sussex and Kent border, criminals treat farms like a shopping list: stealing quad bikes, plant machinery, tractors or small vehicles and other high‑value equipment, leaving landowners to deal with the financial fallout.
Operation Anglesey is one of the policing operations tackling this well‑organised criminality. A Detective Inspector explained how OCGs rotate members, use multiple sites and actively work to avoid police detection. Their activity spans a range of offences so the police often use an “Al Capone” approach, securing convictions for the crimes most likely to result in successful prosecution. It was a powerful reminder of how much unseen work is carried out behind the scenes by our dedicated officers.
I want to reassure all those who live or work on farmland in East Sussex that our Rural Crime Team have a grip on the issues affecting you. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my role to support, challenge and scrutinise policing where needed to ensure you receive the best possible service.
Reporting is therefore vital. Whether you witness suspicious activity, experience a crime or simply have information that might help, please report it. Every piece of intelligence strengthens the police’s response, directs resources where they are most needed and helps protect our rural communities now and in the future.
