Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team has been visiting farms and stables during Rural Crime Week of Action. Picture: Amesbury Police

Amesbury Police visit farms and stables in Rural Crime Week of Action

Jamie JonesSeptember 11, 20260 Comment0

POLICE officers have been visiting farms and stables this week during their Rural Crime Week of Action.

Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team have been dropping in on businesses in Chute, Collingbourne Ducis and Collingbourne Kingston to offer advice and gather intelligence.

Visits have provided officers with the opportunity to speak directly with local farmers and landowners about the issues affecting rural communities, including rural crime, hare coursing and poaching.

An Amesbury Police spokesperson said: “Officers shared crime prevention advice, discussed local concerns and highlighted the importance of reporting suspicious activity to help us build an intelligence picture and take action against offenders.

“If you witness suspicious behaviour, vehicles in unusual locations, or ongoing criminal activity, please report it to us via 101 or 999 in an emergency.”

There is also a dedicated webpage for reporting rural crime on the Wiltshire Police website.

Crimestoppers Wiltshire rural crime crackdown

The action comes after Crimestoppers Wiltshire announced a crackdown on “devastating” rural crime in the county.

The independent charity says organised crime gangs continue to target areas, causing serious financial, environmental and emotional consequences for communities across the county.

Thefts of agricultural machinery and equipment, wildlife crime and illegal waste dumping, cause significant harm to people who live and work in the countryside.

Agricultural equipment and vehicle theft is particularly prevalent in west, north and south Wiltshire, with hare coursing incidents concentrated in the east and south-west of the county.

Intelligence suggests both crime types can be linked to organised criminal groups operating across county boundaries.

Recent thefts involving tractor GPS technology and other valuable farming equipment have highlighted the ongoing threat facing Wiltshire’s agricultural community. For many farming businesses, theft can result in substantial financial losses, disruption to daily operations and concerns about personal safety.

The force has highlighted the importance of public reporting and intelligence in supporting these outcomes and dealing with rural crime.

“Rural crime can have a devastating impact”

Beth Simpson, South West Central Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Rural crime can have a devastating impact on those who live and work in our countryside. Whether it’s the theft of essential farming equipment, wildlife crime or environmental damage, the consequences are often felt far beyond the immediate victims.

“Many people may know who is responsible for crime that harms their community, but they often feel unable to speak directly to the police. Crimestoppers offers a safe and completely anonymous alternative.

“No one will ever know you contacted us, but the information you give us anonymously could make [a] real difference in protecting Wiltshire’s rural communities, businesses, wildlife and environment.

“If you know something about those involved in rural crime, please tell us anonymously. Thousands of people contact our charity each day. Your information could help stop criminal activity and prevent others from becoming victims.”

Crimestoppers provides a safe and anonymous way for people to share information about crime. The charity’s independent reporting service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and people contacting Crimestoppers are never asked for their name or personal details.