West Mercia PCC gives money to farm crime prevention research

Posted 17 May 2016

A postgraduate researcher at Harper Adams University has received a £5,000 grant to help her complete the research for her PhD project on farm crime prevention.

The money is being awarded to her by the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner. 

Kreseda Smith, 37, is doing a PhD research project entitled: “Tackling farm crime – farmer behaviour and crime prevention decision making”.

Kreseda, a member of the Rural Security Research Group said: “As part of my study, I aim to assess farmers’ responses to crime prevention as rural crime rates rise.

“I am also looking at how effective the current crime prevention measures, both physical and policy, are and how successful the uptake of these has been.

“This work ties into the work the PCC’s Office is doing around policing and crime.

“I received a grant from the Commissioner last year, and I’m really pleased to receive funding again. The first grant was used to help support me with my interviews, and this latest grant should help me complete the research. 

“The research saw me conducting face-to-face interviews with several police forces, and a survey and focus groups with farmers.” 

The West Mercia Commissioner’s Grant Scheme was first introduced in 2013.  

The Rural Security Research Group was launched during December last year.