Police and MOD patrol military land in east Hampshire
They are on the lookout for rural criminals on motorbikes and quad bikes
Patrols are taking place on military land in east Hampshire where motorbikes and quad bikes, suspected of being linked to rural crime, have been cutting across it.
Last week Country Watch officers teamed up with MOD colleagues to patrol areas around Longmoor, Bordon and Bramshott.
These areas have experienced incidents where motorbikes and quadbikes have been cutting across MOD land in order to access rural areas, where we suspect they are then carrying out offences such as non-dwelling burglaries, poaching and hare coursing.
Police teams across the county have recently been carrying out proactive operations to disrupt criminals operating in rural areas throughout Hampshire. The patrols on MOD land are just another element towards tackling this, and aim to target criminals using the area as a cut through.
These patrols will continue.
In addition to this, the MOD is also warning the public about the risks of accessing MOD land when military training is taking place.
During the patrols last week no vehicles were found using the land, however a member of the public on foot was spoken with as they were walking on the land whilst military training was taking place.
Remember that if there is military activity underway, then there is no right of access for the public until the military exercises have finished. The Byelaws do not permit access for any vehicles at any time.
Please respect MOD land, and the Byelaws that are there to protect the military and the public. The MOD’s message for people accessing MOD land in and around Longmoor, Bordon and Bramshott is clear; the public should only access military training areas when and where it is safe to do so and should exercise caution at all times. To help keep themselves and their loved ones safe, the MOD is asking the public to follow these simple steps:
• Look out for red flags and observe all signs and information.
• Only access MOD land when it is not being used for military training, and always avoid entering areas that are enclosed.
• Keep dogs under close control, in sight and pick up after them.
• Never touch any military debris (UXO), report these for safe removal.
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