Bridlington Farmers Urged to Report Rural Crime as Organised Gangs Target Machinery

Saturday 12th September 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

Humberside Police say rural crime is evolving rapidly — and increasingly linked to organised criminal groups targeting farms across East Yorkshire, including those surrounding Bridlington.

Sergeant Kevin Jones from the Rural Task Force says the old perception of rural crime being limited to hare coursing or sheep rustling is long outdated. Today’s offenders are “sophisticated and meticulous criminals” who plan their operations carefully and often work across county borders, nationally and even internationally.

These gangs are targeting farms for high‑value agricultural machinery and equipment, often essential to daily operations. Sgt Jones says the impact goes far beyond financial loss.

“The farmer is not only left to deal with the immediate financial loss. They can also suffer significant emotional and welfare impacts. There is disruption to their livelihoods, their families and their businesses.”

He added that rural crime is not just an attack on individual farmers, but on the rural economy, food industry and the communities that depend on them — including those around Bridlington, where farms play a major role in local employment and supply chains.

The Rural Task Force is made up of specialist officers who work closely with Farm Watch groups, policing volunteers, neighbourhood teams and the Special Constabulary. Their aim is to make Humberside a “hostile place” for criminals seeking to exploit rural communities and to reduce fear among residents.

Visibility is a key part of the strategy. Officers regularly attend agricultural shows, community events and carry out high‑visibility patrols across rural villages and farmland.

But Sgt Jones says the public must play a vital role too.

He is urging residents to report suspicious activity directly to police via 101, or 999 in an emergency, rather than relying on social media posts.

“You know your communities better than anyone. If something does not look right or feels suspicious, there is a good chance your instincts are right.”

Reports — even small ones — help build intelligence, identify patterns and direct police resources to the areas that need them most.

Sgt Jones ended with a clear message to rural communities across the East Riding:

“We are listening. We are working with you. And we are committed to protecting our rural communities.”