Farmers and landowners met with police officers at a barn to discuss issues facing the rural community.
The barn meet held at Blackbirds Farm in Radlett on May 25 was an opportunity for officers and partner agencies to share what work is being done to support and protect rural communities.
There were discussions about fly-tipping, theft of farming equipment and off-road biking. Topics such as trespassing and livestock worrying were also covered.
Guest speakers on the day included colleagues from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist rural sperational support team (ROST), Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Chief Constable Charlie Hall and the National Farmers Union.
Representatives from Hertsmere Borough Council and officers from policing teams in St Albans and Welwyn Hatfield were also in attendance, as well as Mayor of Hertsmere, Councillor John Graham.
Bushey and Radlett neighbourhood sergeant Iain Brunt said: “Barn meets have always proved popular and are a great way to engage directly with our rural communities. They face issues which are very different to our urban communities and, whilst we have good working relationships with farmers and landowners in Hertsmere, Barn Meets enable us to bring them together to talk collectively."
He added: “This was the first meeting we’ve held since the pandemic, and we will be looking to hold more in the future. In the meantime, if anyone has issues, they are welcome to contact us for advice.”
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