Last week the Crime and Policing Bill passed its second reading. The Bill represents the most significant package of measures on crime and policing in decades. This Bill includes 50 new laws designed to cut crime and make our streets safer, with a particular focus on tackling rural crime.
The Crime and Policing Bill includes specific measures to tackle illegal off-roading, particularly the use of off-road bikes and e-scooters in public parks and on pavements. Here are the relevant sections and details:
Key Measures to Tackle Illegal Off-Roading:
Immediate Seizure of Vehicles:
- The Bill grants police new powers to immediately seize vehicles that cause havoc in communities, including off-road bikes and dangerous e-scooters. This removes the previous requirement for police to issue a warning before seizing such vehicles.
Disposal of Seized Vehicles:
- Once seized, if vehicles go unclaimed, the police will have the authority to dispose of them, ensuring they are permanently removed from the streets.
Impact on Tackling Illegal Off-Roading:
These measures will significantly enhance the ability of police to address the nuisance and danger caused by illegal off-roading. By allowing immediate seizure and disposal of vehicles, the Bill aims to deter offenders and reduce the prevalence of off-road bikes and e-scooters being used antisocially in public spaces.
Key Measures to Address Rural Crime:
- Enhanced Police Powers: The Bill grants police new targeted powers to enter premises and seize electronically tracked stolen goods, including agricultural machinery. This will significantly improve the recovery of stolen items and deter theft in rural areas.
- Increased Funding: The Government has increased police funding by up to £1.1 billion compared to last year’s settlement. This includes £200 million to kickstart the recruitment of 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs, ensuring guaranteed patrols in rural areas.
- Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee: The introduction of a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will restore guaranteed patrols, providing rural communities with a named, contactable officer to address local crime issues.
- Collaboration with DEFRA: The Home Secretary is working closely with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to prioritize reducing rural crime through departmental cooperation.
- Tackling Specific Rural Crimes: The Bill addresses the rising cost of rural crime, including GPS unit thefts, which rose by 137% to an estimated £4.2 million in 2024. Measures include banning the possession or distribution of electronic devices used in vehicle theft and strengthening the ability to apply corporate criminal liability to modern corporations involved in rural crime.
Paul Davies MP for Colne Valley Said:
“The Crime and Policing Bill is set to transform the approach to rural crime, providing communities with the tools and support they need to feel safe. By increasing police presence and enhancing powers to tackle theft and antisocial behaviour, the Bill aims to reduce the financial and emotional burden on rural residents.
This bill is a testament to Labour’s unwavering commitment to restoring safety and order in our communities. We are taking decisive action to ensure that our streets are safe and that law-abiding citizens can go about their lives without fear of crime and disorder.”
The Prime Minister said:
“It is totally unacceptable for anyone to be intimidated or feel unsafe due to the actions of reckless and selfish individuals.
Whatever the vehicle, our bill gives police forces stronger powers to seize them immediately and put a stop to antisocial behaviour.
That’s our plan of change in action, making our streets and communities safer.”
Notes for editors
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3938
Paul Davies MP 