Thames Valley Police to work with partners on rural crime

It comes as concerns have been raised about increasing violence linked to rural crimes including agricultural machinery theft, hare coursing, and poaching.

At a meeting on November 22 in Faccombe, a cross-border commitment was made to protect rural communities.

The meeting was attended by police and crime commissioners, MPs, officers, and representatives from rural communities.

Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber, said: "It was a pleasure to meet with counterparts in Wiltshire and Hampshire last week, alongside Kit Malthouse MP, to discuss better intelligence sharing and how we can tackle the growing prevalence of crime in our rural communities together.

Matthew Barber (Image: Natalie Jezzard) "The Thames Valley has an outstanding Rural Crime Taskforce, which has been working tirelessly since its launch in March 2022.

"In that time, they have conducted hundreds of investigations and provided invaluable crime prevention advice to rural residents.

"Collaboration across borders is essential to creating a hostile environment for these criminals.

"I look forward to continuing our partnership with the police and crime commissioners of Hampshire and Wiltshire to ensure we protect rural communities across the Thames Valley."

The Thames Valley Rural Crime Taskforce consists of a dedicated team of officers and intelligence specialists focussed on making the Thames Valley a hostile place for those committing rural crime.

Wiltshire's police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said: "The escalating violence we have seen recently from criminals intent on spreading fear and terror in our rural communities is shocking and will not be allowed to continue."

Mr Wilkinson highlighted the use of vehicles as weapons by offenders "who are determined to cause significant harm, both financially and physically to our rural communities".

He added: "We must ensure that the police are proactive in robustly enforcing the law to keep our rural communities safe and prevent further harm."

A collaboration to combat rural crime called Operation Ragwort was formed last year between all police forces and police and crime commissioners in the South West.

The operation aims to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to rural crime by sharing intelligence and resources.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight's police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones, said: "Rural communities are the backbone of our counties, and no one should feel unsafe in their own home, business, or community.

"The escalating violence tied to rural crime is deeply concerning, and we will not stand by while criminals target rural residents with such disregard.

"This partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to making rural areas hostile environments for offenders."