Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has visited Victim Support in York to discuss the impact of rural crime in the area and the support available to victims.
She joined a meeting with partner agencies, including the chairman of the National Rural Crime Network, Julia Mulligan.
Princess Anne, who is the patron of the Victim Support, heard about the importance of increasing access to support for victims of rural crime in North Yorkshire.
Organisations including the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), Farming Community Network, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and domestic abuse charity IDAS also took part of the meeting along with North Yorkshire’s Chief Constable Lisa Winward.
Julia, who is the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “Tackling rural crime and improving support for victims have been a top priority for the past six years. It was therefore very exciting to welcome Princess Anne to North Yorkshire and to be able to talk about how much progress has been made locally.
“I was particularly pleased she was able to meet people who have been helped by Victim Support, and to hear first hand what a positive difference is being made. I’d also like to thank the team here for all their hard work, as well as the Princess for supporting such an important charity.”
Olwen Edwards, contract manager at NRCN member Victim Support said: “It was wonderful to have Princess Anne join us to help highlight the wonderful work of our staff and volunteers do in supporting victims of crime in North Yorkshire.
“The Princess was able to join us for the start of some very important discussions on rural crime and how we can reach more victims with help.
This is a crucial issue for us as North Yorkshire is not only the largest county in the country but also one of the most rural.
“We want to work together to build the necessary links to ensure all victims of crime are accessing the support they are entitled to.”
Sally Conner, RABI regional manager for the North East, said: “Many of the people we help are elderly and living in remote rural areas, which means they can often feel isolated and at risk.
“For charities such as ours, it’s important that we work in partnership with other organisations to protect the vulnerable; providing vital financial and emotional assistance where necessary, but also offering a familiar face for people to turn to when they feel alone or afraid.”
During her visit, Princess Anne was greeted by Olwen Edwards, contract manager at Victim Support and met with staff and volunteers.
She was also introduced to victims of crime to learn more about their experience and the help they received from the charity.
Victim Support is an independent charity that provides specialist practical help and emotional support to victims of all crime, whether or not the incident has been reported to the police.
