ESSEX Police are holding a special event to help residents prevent rural crimes.

The force will be launching its Rural Crime Strategy at the event, which is being held at Stow Maries Aerodrome in Hackmans Lane in Purleigh this afternoon between 1pm and 4pm.

The free event has been organised by Essex Police, the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, the Essex Rural Partnership and other partners.

Roger Hirst, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “If you live or work in the rural community and want to learn more about how to protect yourself against crime as well as finding out about the new rural crime strategy and how it affects you – come along to this free event.

“We hear regularly from residents who are affected by rural crime and this will be a good opportunity to show how seriously we are taking their concerns as well as offering them good advice on how to prevent crime from happening in the first place.”

People coming along to the event will be able to find out more about crime prevention, drones, travellers, road safety, Crimestoppers and more.

Chief Inspector Ian Gennery heads up the Essex Police’s new Gypsy, Traveller and Rural Engagement Team.

He said: “People coming along will have the chance to meet and find out about the work of my new team whose role is specifically focused on serving the rural community.”