Police have conducted targeted night-time operations to combat rural criminality across Test Valley and Winchester districts, with officers making arrests and stopping dozens of vehicles during intelligence-led patrols.
Hampshire Police have deployed specialist teams across northern county areas previously hit by rural crime, aiming to disrupt criminals who exploit darkness to carry out offences.
The theft of agricultural equipment and machinery remains a key concern for both Winchester and Test Valley districts, prompting coordinated enforcement action.
The Neighbourhood Enforcement Team spearheaded these operations, working alongside Country Watch specialists, local neighbourhood officers, Priority Crime Teams, Roads Policing units, and dog handlers.
Officers targeted vehicles commonly linked to transporting stolen goods or those carrying farming and construction equipment.
The first operation on Friday 11th April involved 25 officers using marked and unmarked patrol cars, off-road motorcycles, and drone technology.
Beginning at Bishops Waltham, teams covered Winchester, Test Valley, and East Hampshire locations including Soberton Heath, West Meon Hut, Micheldever, the Wallops, and Stockbridge vicinity.
Officers stopped 49 vehicles and conducted six personal searches during this operation.
A 29-year-old Andover man was detained on suspected drug-driving charges after police halted his van on Winchester Road near Stockbridge. He remains under investigation following release.
Separately, officers confiscated an illegally-ridden pit bike near West Meon, issuing the rider with a section 59 warning.
The second operation occurred on Friday 9th May, concentrating on Winchester district areas including Sutton Scotney, New Alresford, Hinton Ampner, Colden Common, and Hursley.
Teams again conducted numerous vehicle stops across these locations.
A 21-year-old New Alresford resident was arrested for suspected drug-driving after being stopped at Percy Hobbs Roundabout near Winchester. He has been released pending further investigation.
Officers also advised a man found with fishing equipment but lacking proper licensing in New Alresford. Fish poaching constitutes a criminal offence under Schedule 1 of the Theft Act 1968.
Further proactive operations are planned throughout the coming months across both districts.
Sergeant Matt Underwood from the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team commented: “Rural criminality, particularly machinery and equipment theft, often involves organised groups targeting and intimidating residents and workers in these communities.
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“Such behaviour is completely unacceptable, and our operations specifically target those believing they can operate undetected after dark.
“We utilise intelligence from officers and public submissions to determine operational timing and locations, continuing this approach as summer approaches.
“Anyone with relevant information should contact us. This helps us understand local patterns and enhances our capability to disrupt criminal activity. We encourage reports of suspicious individuals, vehicles, or damaged and abandoned vehicles.”
Crime or suspicious activity can be reported to police on 101 or through the online reporting tool at www.hampshire.police.uk
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at crimestoppers-uk.org
Emergency situations or crimes in progress require 999.
DISC members can also provide information through their platform. Rural and wildlife business connections may qualify for DISC membership – email discreports@hampshire.police.uk
