Avon and Somerset Police Rural Crime Initiative has launched a new text number to combat rural crime – 81819.
The Police are launching a new text service to help prevent and detect rural crime. They’re asking rural communities and businesses to help by providing information and intelligence about suspected crime in their area.
The new number will allow the public to text information directly to the Rural Crime Team, who will be able to assess and action the intelligence quickly and efficiently. Messages are currently sent out via text message and email to members of the Neighbourhood, Farm and Horse Watch schemes to alert them to crimes and incidents in their area. This new number will allow people to text back information quickly and easily.
Anyone can use it if they have information about rural or agricultural crime in their area, and it isn’t just for Watch members. The number won’t be monitored 24/7 but the team will be looking at it when they are on duty, it therefore shouldn’t be used for reporting crimes, or anything which requires an immediate police attendance. In those circumstances please dial 999.
The new number is 81819, please text any information you believe could either help prevent or detect a crime in your area. You can still pass on information via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask your name or trace your call.
