A MAJOR police campaign is being operated on Salisbury Plain to combat a rising tide of crime and antisocial behaviour.

The crackdown by Ministry of Defence police officers follows a recent spate of offences, including thefts, illegal raves, trespass, off-road scrambling, arson and flytipping.

Thieves have also been targeting military equipment. In one case, the theft of aluminium bridge panels left the structure in too dangerous for use.

It is believed an organised gang was behind the theft, fuelled by steep rises in the price of scrap metal.

There has also been a huge increase in flytipping, with people dumping fridges, cookers, washing machines and tyres across the vast training area. In one incident 500 motorcycle were left on two sites.

Now MoD officers have stepped up patrols and already issued fixed penalty notices to 14 people for minor offences. Vehicles have also been seized and four people have been summonsed to appear before courts on suspicion of entering red-flagged zones - areas in active military use.

A further nine people have been warned for carrying out anti-social activities and ignoring bylaws.

Sergeant Mark Venning, the MoD senior police officer for Salisbury Plain, said: "The vast majority of the plain is owned by the MoD and it is regularly used for military exercises. But the MoD also recognises that it is a unique landscape --- 70 per cent of which is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

"It is therefore right and proper that the public also has access to it for recreation, but it is a shame that a small numbers of persistent offenders are abusing that opportunity.

"As well as committing acts of theft and other crimes, which interfere with military activity on the plain, they are also spoiling the enjoyment of this beautiful landscape for other people."

He said MoD land on Salisbury Plain was subject to bylaws, which were posted on all access points so there could be no excuses for ignorance.

"These bylaws also give us powers of arrest for offences and allow us to seize vehicles and other property if they are being misused," he said.

"Active military land is also a very dangerous place to be for people, who ignore the red flags and warnings when exercises are being carried out. We will use the full force of the laws available to us in protecting the public, the legitimate users of the plain and the environment itself."

Anyone with information about illegal activity on Salisbury Plain can call the MoD police on 01980 674808, PLAINWATCH on 01980 674700 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.