South's police forces collaborating on tackling rural crimes
Forces are working together as many incidents cross borders
Police chiefs in the South have raised concerns over the increasing levels of violence used by those committing crime in rural communities.
In recent weeks, vehicles have been used as weapons by those looking to cause serious harm.
That includes an incident in Wilsford, Wiltshire, in which a farmer's vehicle was rammed several times by suspected hare coursers.
A case in Hurstbourne Tarrant in Hampshire saw a farmer seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle when challenging trespassers.
Criminal gangs often look at rural areas as easy targets and police commissioners are teaming up to tackle the issue.
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson said:
"The escalating violence we have seen recently from criminals intent on spreading fear and terror in our rural communities is shocking and will not be allowed to continue.
“In recent weeks, both in Wiltshire and Hampshire we have seen two incidents of vehicles being used as weapons by offenders who are determined to cause significant harm, both financially and physically to our rural communities and we must ensure that the police are proactive in robustly enforcing the law to keep our rural communities safe and prevent further harm.
“We know that much of this criminality is linked to organised crime groups and these criminals do not recognise borders, and nor must we if we’re to protect our residents and target those causing harm.”
Donna Jones, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner, said:
“Rural communities are the backbone of our counties, and no one should feel unsafe in their own home, business, or community. The escalating violence tied to rural crime is deeply concerning, and we will not stand by while criminals target rural residents with such disregard.
“As Police Commissioner, I have continually demonstrated my commitment to make rural areas safer by investing in police intelligence capability and increasing the number of police officers in rural areas to ensure the force can take the fight to countryside criminals.
“By working closely with Wiltshire and Thames Valley Police, alongside our partners and communities, we are sending a strong message: those who seek to spread fear and commit violent acts will find no safe haven here. This partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to making rural areas hostile environments for offenders and ensuring justice for those impacted.”