WILTSHIRE’S Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a renewed drive to tackle rural crime following a tri-county summit.

Police leaders, MPs and rural organisations from Wiltshire, Hampshire and Thames Valley attended the meeting.

The focus was on cross-border crimes such as hare coursing, machinery theft and damage to farmland.

All three forces agreed that closer coordination is now essential to protect rural communities.

PCC Philip Wilkinson said the summit highlighted how mobile and sophisticated rural crime has become.

“Rural crime does not recognise county boundaries, and neither should our policing response,” he said.

“By sharing intelligence, coordinating patrols and learning from each other’s successes, we can ensure that every officer and every deployment has the greatest possible impact.

“Working together makes us faster, smarter and far more effective at disrupting the criminal groups who target our countryside.”

Thames Valley Police shared how digital reporting tools and intelligence systems have helped them track rural offending.

Wiltshire will explore similar methods to strengthen its response.

Wiltshire Police reported a slight drop in agricultural theft but a rise in hare coursing.

Inspector Andy Lemon said the increase reflects more public reports, and enforcement has also stepped up.

He added: “In the past year, Wiltshire has seen a significant rise in hare coursing.

“Between September 2024 and August 2025, we received 240 reports – a 21.8% increase. We need the public’s help to build an accurate picture of the problem.

“Rural crime has a profound impact on farmers. They have to repair damaged gates, fences and farmland.

“In one incident, three cows were killed after escaping through a damaged fence and wandering onto a road.”

Mr Wilkinson said that trust between police and rural residents is vital.

“Rural policing relies on trust and cooperation,” he said. “When residents report suspicious activity, even if it seems minor, it gives the police vital information.”

Wiltshire Police will continue engagement with farmers, rural groups and cross-border operations such as Operation Ragwort to target organised offenders.