RURAL CRIME

That this House expresses its concern that violence against the person and property crime has increased disproportionately in rural areas under the current Government; notes that offences of violence against the person rose in the 13 most rural police force areas by 126 per cent. since 1998, 20 per cent. above the national average, and that crimes against property, including theft and damage, fell in England and Wales overall but increased by 2 per cent. in the 13 most rural areas; and urges the Government to reduce the burden of bureaucracy in order to free up police officers to tackle the problem.