Hampshire & Isle of Wight police have launched a new rural crime task force with additional officers to tackle organised crime affecting the county’s rural communities.
The Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force represents a significant expansion of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s rural and wildlife crime capabilities, combining existing expertise with a dedicated proactive unit targeting serious organised and acquisitive crime across the counties’ rural areas.
With rural areas comprising approximately 75% of the policing area in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, organised criminal gangs frequently operate across county boundaries, stealing agricultural equipment and machinery, engaging in violence and intimidation, and poaching local wildlife.
Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern explained the task force builds upon the established Country Watch team, which has operated for many years investigating rural and wildlife crime, patrolling isolated rural areas, and engaging with affected communities.
“Country Watch has been an established team for many years, made up of officers and staff who routinely investigate rural and wildlife crime, patrol isolated rural areas, engage with impacted communities, and work collaboratively with other police teams, forces and partners to conduct proactive operations,” McGovern stated.
The existing team has acquired specialist equipment including mobile ANPR cameras and drones to enhance their operational capabilities.
“All of that skill, expertise and technology will not only be retained by the Task Force but reinforced with an additional proactive team of officers to relentlessly pursue offenders and provide a valuable visible presence in communities,” she added.
The additional officers will serve as a dedicated resource for responding to 999 calls from rural communities whilst conducting daily patrols in rural crime hotspot areas. They will exercise powers to proactively stop vehicles and gather intelligence, creating a hostile environment for organised crime gangs.
“They will also work as part of the wider Country Watch task force and with other local policing colleagues – such as Local Bobbies, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and Area Crime Teams – to carry out regular proactive operations focused on disrupting individuals who are actively involved in this type of offending in our area,” McGovern explained.
“Rural criminals cause misery to hardworking farmers, gamekeepers and landowners, leaving so many feeling isolated and intimidated. We are putting more investment and co-ordination into tackling rural crime so we can keep these communities safe.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police & Crime Commissioner Donna Jones highlighted her commitment to tackling rural crime since taking office, investing millions of pounds through initiatives including the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, ANPR cameras and thermal imaging technology.
“We need to take the fight to the criminals and the organised crime gangs that are working across the beautiful countryside in our two counties,” Jones said.
“Their activities, such as theft of machinery, hare coursing, poaching, fishing and fly tipping, are leaving these farmers and landowners as well as their businesses suffering, but through the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force I am determined that we can help our rural communities feel more safe and secure.”
The constabulary emphasises that intelligence from rural communities is crucial for informing patrol activity and resource targeting. Officers are encouraging rural communities to continue reporting all information about rural crime to police.
Reporting Options:
- Non-emergency: 101 or via www.hampshire.police.uk
- Anonymous: Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org
- Emergency: 999 if crime is in progress
- DISC members: Email discreports@hampshire.police.uk
The force requires crime reports and intelligence to build a comprehensive picture of harm being caused, individuals involved, vehicle types used, and areas being targeted.
