Safer streets spotlight: PC Richard Fussey – Rural Task Force

EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE

As part of the national Safer Streets initiative, we’re highlighting our officers working at the heart of our communities those tackling crime in some of the most remote and often overlooked areas. Today, PC Richard Fussey shares his experience as part of the Rural Task Force covering the Northbank.

“I joined Humberside Police in 2018 after working in education and countryside management. I’d always had an interest in the policing side of things, particularly wildlife crime, which I first got into during college. When the opportunity came up to apply, I’d already spent two years on patrol in Hull, which was a great way to learn the job. I’d also completed my policing qualifications and had some great advice from former wildlife crime officers who encouraged me to go for it. I started in the Rural Task Force in June 2022, and after just a few months in the role, I knew this was where I wanted to be.

I’ve always been passionate about the countryside and rural crime. It’s an area that’s often overlooked, and the victims whether they’re farmers, landowners, or wildlife can be silent and unseen. Hares, birds of prey and endangered species they can’t speak for themselves, but it’s our job to protect them. I wanted to be part of a team that puts rural communities first and makes sure they’re heard and protected.

The Rural Task Force is a small but dedicated team just four of us plus our sergeant covering over 1,000 square miles across the East Riding. There’s no such thing as a typical day. Our work changes with the seasons. During hare coursing season, for example, I might be out early on a morning looking for vehicles of interest and doing proactive patrols. Other days I’m working on information-led operations like Op Walrus, which targets organised crime groups involved in GPS thefts from farms, a national concern. Some days are more engagement-focused, like attending agricultural shows or visiting farms to offer crime prevention advice. We also support Neighbourhood Policing Teams and patrol officers with rural and wildlife crime elements, including animal welfare and heritage crime.

We deal with a wide range of offences hare coursing, night poaching, badger baiting, nesting bird disturbances, agricultural thefts, and illegal metal detecting, for example. One of the larger successes was the recovery of £350,000 worth of stolen GPS equipment with 48 devices located in total. This case came from strong partnership work and a vehicle stop that led to a full investigation with CID.

Partnership work is essential to what we do. We work closely with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, the National Rural Crime Unit, relevant border agencies, local farm watches, and animal welfare organisations. They provide witness statements, local knowledge, and help us build trust in communities that haven’t always had a consistent policing presence. Our team represents a renewed and focused commitment to tackling rural and wildlife crime.

We’ve seen a 15% reduction in rural crime nationally over the past year, and that reflects the dedication of officers and the strength of our partnerships.

My message to rural communities is simple: if you see something, report it. Whether it’s a crime in progress or something that doesn’t feel right, please get in touch. Your information helps us identify vulnerabilities and continue improving safety across our rural areas.”

To learn more about your local policing team, find your area via the Humberside Police website or receive updates by signing up to My Community Alert, this can be done online, by visiting your local police station or simply speaking to a local officer.