Crackdown on rural criminals

The two-day cross-border operation saw specials from Dorset Police, Wiltshire Police, Devon and Cornwall Police and Hampshire Constabulary patrol 1,700 square miles of rural areas on April 18 and 19.

It was led by Dorset Police’s Special Constabulary and involved proactive patrols in communities that have been targeted by criminals committing crime such as burglaries and rural thefts.

Officers carried out stop checks of vehicles.

Special Inspector Ben Muspratt, of Dorset Police, said: “This is the fourth occasion of this type of operation ran by the Special Constabulary. We are continuing to develop this operation to target rural crime.

“It is very clear that this high visibility operation has had a positive impact on the community. It has demonstrated to residents that all four forces are committed to tackling rural crime.

“Over 1000 person and vehicle checks were conducted across the south west, which sent out a very clear message to criminals that we will not tolerate such activity.”

Hampshire Specials assisted East Dorset and Christchurch Specials in stopping numerous vehicles and people. Fixed Penalty Notices were issued and one driver was dealt with for possession of cannabis.

Automatic number plate recognition technology was used.

Dorset special constables also attended 11 incidents across the county.

Special Inspector Muspratt added: “The Special Constabulary is keen to help tackle rural crime and we plan to carry out this operation on a regular basis."

Special Constables are unpaid volunteer police officers who have the same powers of arrest and wear the same uniform as regular officers.

To find out more about becoming a special constable or crime prevention advice go to dorset.police.uk.