Rural Crime In Focus As Farmers Meet Police Commissioner

Wildlife poaching, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour on rural roads and paths were among the concerns raised at a meeting between farmers, gamekeepers and Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones.

The discussion, held at the Southwick Estate near Fareham, highlighted issues such as speeding motorbikes and trail bikes being ridden dangerously by masked youths — problems that continue to affect countryside communities.

Rural crime is one of Donna Jones’ top policing priorities, with the launch of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s dedicated Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force earlier this year.

She said:

“Around 75% of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is rural, and crimes like poaching, theft of farm equipment and intimidation are unfortunately happening all too often. I am focused on making our countryside a safer place.

"To the criminal gangs operating across our rural communities, I say this – the police are coming after you.”

Inspector Cath MacDonald, who leads the Task Force, told the meeting that officers are already seeing results. Since its launch, more than £150,000 worth of stolen property has been recovered, thanks to intelligence and a proactive approach.

The unit is now using drones, mobile ANPR cameras and daily patrols in hotspot areas to track offenders.

Inspector MacDonald urged residents to continue reporting all incidents, no matter how small, as they can help build a wider picture of organised criminal activity.

Southwick Estate owner Mark Thistlethwayte said poaching and fly-tipping remain the biggest challenges facing landowners.

“The cost of cleaning up is rising each year, and with an early harvest this year, poaching has started even earlier.

"We’re on course to see a record number of incidents.”

The Commissioner said continued cooperation between police and local communities is key to tackling rural crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 or report online at hampshire.police.uk.

In an emergency, always dial 999. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.