The national Rural Crime Week of Action is being supported by Wiltshire Police with a programme of targeted enforcement, prevention and community engagement.
The work is designed to protect rural communities, disrupt organised criminality and prevent crime across the county.
It builds on Wiltshire Police's year-round commitment to tackling rural crime and follows significant operational successes already achieved across the county.
Wiltshire Police says it has continued to strengthen its rural crime response through enhanced training, improved intelligence gathering and closer partnership working with the National Rural Crime Unit, neighbouring police forces, farming organisations, landowners and rural communities.
The force has also embedded dedicated officers trained in wildlife and heritage crime within local policing teams and hosted Wiltshire's first Rural Crime Partnership Conference to identify emerging threats and develop collaborative solutions.
Inspector Andy Lemon, Tactical Force Lead for Rural Crime, said: "Wiltshire is one of the most rural counties in the country and we understand the impact crime can have on our farming communities, landowners, businesses and residents.
"Rural Crime Week of Action provides an opportunity to showcase the work taking place throughout the year to protect our rural communities and target those responsible for offending in our countryside.
"Whether it is agricultural theft, poaching, hare coursing, fly-tipping or wildlife crime, we are committed to pursuing offenders, disrupting organised criminality and working with partners to keep Wiltshire's rural communities safe."
Over the past two years, Wiltshire Police has achieved:
- 44 arrests linked to rural crime offences
- 38 offenders charged
- 19 vehicles seized
Arrests, charges and vehicle seizures have increased by more than 500% over the past four years, and dozens of offenders brought before the courts, with further prosecutions ongoing.
The week also highlights key issues affecting Wiltshire's countryside, including livestock worrying, which is discussed by Chief Constable Catherine Roper in a video which can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rNN3igggxA
Officers will continue to work with farmers and rural stakeholders to raise awareness of the offence, encourage reporting and promote responsible dog ownership following recent legislative changes that have strengthened police powers and increased penalties for offenders.
The force is encouraging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in rural areas to report it.
Intelligence provided by local communities remains vital in identifying offenders, supporting investigations and preventing crime.
For rural crime prevention advice, or to report rural crime, people can visit: www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/
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