EP 67: Wildlife and Rural Crime - Policing the countryside

In this episode we explore the reality of crime in the countryside, from poaching and hare coursing to the theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery. We hear directly from the people dealing with these offences day in day out and find out how policing is adapting to meet the challenge.Chief Inspector Kevin Lacks-Kelly, head of the UK’s National Wildlife Crime Unit, explains how modern poaching has evolved, why hare coursing is now treated as organised crime and how new legislation is starting to deliver real results.We’re also joined by Andy Huddleston, who leads the National Rural Crime Unit, to discuss the growing threat of rural and agricultural theft and what farmers and rural workers can do to protect themselves.Plus, Tom heads out on patrol with Sergeant Paul Brady from the Rural Engagement Team at Essex Police, to see first hand how rural crime is policed on the front line.And finally, we catch up with BASC’s head of game and wildlife management, Glynn Evans, following his recent lifetime achievement award for his long standing work tackling wildlife crime.A rare behind the scenes look at the people, partnerships and policing keeping the countryside safe.