The study of crime and the fear of crime in the countryside has much to offer rural and criminological studies. On the one hand, greater attention to these issues will complement an otherwise urban geography of crime and fill important gaps in existing knowledge. In light of recent “moral panics” over rising rural crime, such work would be timely and could provide important insights into the nature and extent of rural crime. Additionally, this knowledge could have an applied advantage and assist in the development of policing strategies in rural areas. However, it is essential that rural crime be studied from a rural perspective. Otherwise, comparisons with urban areas risk leading to a philosophy that 'less problems means no problems'. It is important to listen to the voices of rural people and how they experience rural crime. . A wide range of voices must be listened to, not just those of dominant or hegemonic groups. In doing so, attention must be paid to how rurality is socially constructed and how ideas of criminality and cultural threat are part of or threaten these ideals. In short, there is a need to assess the extent to which “fear of crime” is linked to cultural differences and is both informed and impacted by changing social relations in the countryside. It is important to understand these issues and how they can lead to the exclusion of certain people and lifestyles in rural areas. The recently published white paper, Our Countryside: the Future: a fair deal for rural England (detr 2000), continues the principles of policing partnership established under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. This White Paper recognizes that middle of paper ...... being a victim of these crimes can be very different. It is also clear that the study of neighborhood watch and rural crime encompasses many social and political issues. Examining them further will reveal more about the nature of contemporary rural society and who is considered part of it, as well as how voluntary action continues to support the interests of some rural residents. This article has attempted to provide an overview of crime. concern felt by residents of a rural English village. Although it provided an initial examination of the voluntary response to crime in rural areas, it focused on an isolated area where crime is below national levels; conclusions should therefore be taken with caution. It would be useful to carry out research in other areas and, in particular, in deprived rural areas which suffer from higher crime rates..