Tackling rural crime

Priority:
To proactively reduce and prevent rural crime across Somerton and surrounding communities through targeted enforcement, community engagement, and partnership working.

Statement:
Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to protecting our rural communities from the impact of crime. We recognise the unique challenges faced by those living and working in rural areas, including theft of agricultural machinery, livestock offences, wildlife crime, and heritage crime. These offences not only cause financial loss but also undermine community confidence and safety.

Our approach will focus on:

• Visible Policing: Increasing patrols in rural hotspots and engaging with local residents and landowners to build trust and gather intelligence.
• Partnerships: Working closely with local councils, farming groups, and national bodies such as the NFU and Crimestoppers to share information and coordinate responses.
• Prevention and Education: Promoting crime prevention advice, encouraging reporting, and supporting initiatives such as Farm Watch and Horse Watch.
• Targeted Enforcement: Using intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.

We will continue to listen to our communities and adapt our strategies to ensure Somerton remains a safe and resilient place to live and work.

Actions

• 18 December 2025
  

  Three men have been charged with conspiracy to steal after an investigation into the theft of hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of farming equipment.

  Eli Isaacs, 37, Charlie Hughes, 28, and Jack Bowerman, 35, are due to appear at Taunton and Yeovil magistrates’ courts today (19 December).

  Isaacs, of Standerwick, Hughes, of Ilchester, and Bowerman, of Ebbw Vale, were arrested yesterday after a series of warrants were executed in Avon and Somerset and the Gwent area.

  It followed the theft of farming equipment from rural areas across south west England and south Wales between March and November of this year.

• 24 November 2025
  

  Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team will be offering crime prevention visits to farms within the Somerton, Langport, Martock & Hamdon’s area.

   

  This visit will include assistance with registering property you have on your farm and offering crime prevention regarding plant theft.

• 23 October 2025
  

  Somerton Neighbourhood Policing Team have been investigation reports of agricultural equipment theft in and around the Somerton, Langport and Martock areas.