Rural Crime on the Rise in Hampshire: Police and Landowners Unite to Combat Poaching, Fly-Tipping and Anti-Social Behaviour

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to tackle growing concerns about rural crime, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, led by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones, has been working closely with landowners and farmers to address issues such as poaching, fly-tipping, and anti-social behaviour. The Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, launched earlier this year, has seen significant results, with over £150,000 of stolen property seized since its inception. The force is taking a proactive approach to dealing with crime in rural areas, using intelligence-led methods to track and catch offenders.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is committed to tackling rural crime, with Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones investing millions of pounds to deal with the issue.
  • The Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force has seen significant success, with over £150,000 of stolen property seized since its launch.
  • Inspector Cath MacDonald, who leads the task force, has encouraged the public to report all crimes, emphasizing that even smaller incidents can be linked to large-scale organized crime activity.
  • The introduction of an expanded and dedicated rural police unit will greatly enhance the ability to track and catch offenders in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight countryside.
  • Fly-tipping and poaching are the worst types of crimes faced by landowners in the area, with significant consequences for both landowners and the rural community.
  • Mark Thistlethwayte, owner of the Southwick Estate, praised the proactive approach from the police and the advice given, which has been reassuring for his estate.

Statistics:

  • Over £150,000 of stolen property has been seized since the launch of the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force.
  • The task force is using intelligence-led methods to track and catch offenders.
  • The Intro of the Rural Crime Task Force was made by Polices and Crime Controller Donna Jones
  • The early harvest this year has led to a record number of poaching incidents.
  • The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is investing millions of pounds to deal with rural crime issues.

Sources:

  • Hampshire Estate workers and the police and crime commissioner
  • Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones
  • Mark Thistlethwayte, owner of the Southwick Estate
  • Tom Carr, estate manager at the Southwick Estate
  • Inspector Cath MacDonald
  • Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary