Key crime issues affecting the agricultural industry in the Westcountry were addressed at the first of a series of free health and safety workshops being run by regional insurance company Cornish Mutual.

Members of the region’s Police Rural Engagement Team, including a team of Special Constables from Devon & Cornwall Police, were part of the daylong event and gave a session on how they deliver the initiative by visiting farms, businesses and rural properties to offer advice and information on crime issues and prevention measures.

The team provides a free, secure marking service for high risk items, such as chainsaws, and explains a popular community messaging facility which alerts local people via email, text or phone on current crime issues they should be aware of.

Andrew Sugden, a Special Constable for nine years, is part of the Rural Engagement programme. Andrew and two of his colleagues recently received the Superintendent’s Certificate for their dedication and commitment to reducing rural crime and engaging with the community.

Andrew said: “A huge part of our work is about reassurance. We know the police service is stretched, so the rural community don’t tend to see officers as often, and our role is to be out there and visible.”

Devon & Cornwall Police has seen great results from the work of the team. They have been praised for their work in the Roseland Peninsula specifically which resulted in a noticeable drop in crime over the period of the programme.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen a real fluctuation in the types of crime that we’re dealing with,” Andrew explained. “Scrap metal theft has dropped, but sheep rustling, machinery theft, especially of ATV vehicles, and fuel theft continue to be issues which we need to make people aware of.

“Events like these workshops are key for us to get our message across to the community and to get them to engage with us, using our services and hopefully signing up to the community messaging facility, which we know from feedback really works.”

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: “As a trusted insurer working in communities across the South West region and remaining heavily involved in the agricultural sector, reducing crime and the number of serious injuries and deaths on regional farms is a high priority for us as a company.

“These practical workshop events are particularly useful for people to get some up to date information on best practice and also to find out from experts like Andrew about the services out there which can help keep them, and their property, safe.”

Over 200 people have attended the first two health and safety workshops held at Holsworthy Market on Monday 2nd November and Griggs Country Store on Wednesday 4th November.

The final event, supported by Duchy College and the Health and Safety Executive, will take place at Sedgemoor Livestock Market in Bridgwater on Tuesday 17th November and will highlight key issues affecting the industry.

The day-long workshops include practical demonstrations identifying on-farm risks, and advising those working on Westcountry farms about how to best control and manage them.

Some of the areas being covered include telehandler safety, working at heights, safe use of ATVs, farm insurance advice and tips on rural crime prevention.

To book a free place please contact Jody Woolcock on 01872 246267 or email jwoolcock@cornishmutual.co.uk