Several local outlets, including the Northern Echo, report on the launch of a survey by police bosses looking at concerns over isolation and increased safety issues rural communities may face during the COVID-19 lockdown

The survey results will be analysed on an ongoing basis to give the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) an overview of how rural communities are feeling during the pandemic.

Information will be shared with police to assist in targeting community safety responses and allocating the right resources to fight rural crime. The survey comes following concerns rural communities may become even more isolated due to current social distancing guidelines.

Nationally, many residents from more urban areas are increasingly using rural locations for daily exercise, raising concerns this may impact on the spread of the virus.

This could also potentially affect farmers and livestock at a time when the food distribution chain is more important than ever.

Full articles:

Northern Echo - Rural communities in Cleveland asked to share safety concerns during pandemic

Hartlepool Mail - Police calling on Hartlepool communities raise concerns about rural crime during Covid-19 outbreak