POLICE are stepping up efforts to tackle rural crime and keep Salisbury safe, according to Wiltshire Police superintendent and county hub commander James Brain.

In an open letter to residents, Supt Brain said 2025 had been a “pivotal year” for neighbourhood policing, with a renewed focus on rural communities and the city of Salisbury.

He said the force wanted to “continue working closely with communities to prevent and solve crime” after a year of both challenges and successes.

Salisbury is already seeing new initiatives focusing on practical measures to deter offences affecting shops, staff and visitors.

Last November, the city’s first Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) was launched, bringing together businesses, police and the council.

The scheme aims to cut crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour through intelligence sharing, training and closer collaboration.

But rural crime remains a major concern with Supt Brain, who leads on rural crime, warning it has “a lasting impact on victims and places significant financial strain on businesses”.

He highlighted Operation Ragwort, launched earlier this year, which targets organised rural crime across the south west, including the theft of agricultural machinery and plant.

“Between September 2024 and August 2025, hare coursing and poaching offences rose by 21.8%,” he added.

“Since January 2025, 30 individuals have been arrested for these offences – a 500% increase compared to the previous year.”

Police are using a wide range of tactics including neighbourhood officers, drones, CID and armed units.

Supt Brain said: “This sends a clear message: rural crime is treated with the seriousness it deserves, and we will not tolerate incursions on our countryside.”

He added that public engagement is improving with reports of rural crime up by 8.9% on last year, which police see as a sign of growing confidence.

Police are working with landowners on rural crime.

Plans are also being explored to create a rural crime independent advisory group made up of farmers, landowners, rural residents, businesses and wildlife groups.

The group would help set priorities around issues such as livestock and machinery theft, wildlife crime, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, while also scrutinising police performance.

Supt Brain also praised officers, staff and volunteers, pointing to ten active watch schemes across the county, including Farm, Dog, Horse, Heritage and Canal Watch.

He stressed that police cannot work alone and called on residents and businesses to play their part.

Across Wiltshire, police say increased visibility and partnership working have led to more than 25 property closure orders and criminal behaviour orders, aimed at protecting vulnerable people and tackling persistent offenders.

Supt Brain also pointed to a major investigation into modern slavery and human trafficking, later taken on by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, as an example of how local policing can lead to national impact.

Residents are encouraged to report crime online or by calling 101, and call 999 in an emergency.