PCC joins farmers in fight against rural crime

The Police and Crime Commissioner has joined farmers and landowners from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the battle against rural crime.

Donna Jones hosted the first Rural Engagement Forum, at Meon Springs in East Meon, bringing together police and farmers as well as representatives of the National Farmers Union and the Countryside Land Business Association.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s lead for local policing, was also present as a wide range of issues were brought to the table including burglaries, improved methods of crime reporting and sharing intelligence, theft of farm machinery, equipment, and damage to the land.

Speaking at the event, Donna Jones said: “Tackling rural crime is one of my main priorities as Police and Crime Commissioner and I am investing millions of pounds in dealing with this issue through initiatives such as the Countrywatch Rural Crime Task Force, ANPR cameras and thermal imaging technology to track offenders.

“More than 75% of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is rural, amounting to hundreds of square miles of countryside and agricultural land.

“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.

“Their activities, such as hare coursing, poaching, fishing and fly tipping, are leaving these farmers and landowners as well as their businesses suffering.

“Some of the levels of crime in countryside and rural areas are unacceptable, but through meetings like this I am determined that we can work together to reduce that.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner plans to introduce the new Chief Constable to the group at their next meeting later this year.