Three forces in rural crime operation

Three police forces came together to tackle increasing rural crime in a special operation across Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Officers from the three forces went to Three Shires Head area to speak to the rural communities. 

On one evening officers were joined by a group of community volunteers – who know the land and are well placed to identify unusual activity.

Traditionally the winter months are an active time of year for rural crime, outbuildings, sheds are barns are often broken into with offenders stealing vehicles, machinery and tools. 

Inspector Daron Abbott, Operational Lead for the Derbyshire Rural Crime Team says “This highlights our commitment to tackling rural crime. The partnership work with other forces is a vital element of that as we know criminals travel across county borders to commit crime. Operations such as this disrupt and frustrate criminals and sends a message that we will not tolerate their activities. I must also praise the support of our volunteers. They act as our eyes and ears and assist in flooding an area with staff to protect the areas they live in. Their support allows us to do so much more.”

All three constabularies are committed to working with and supporting those who live and work in the countryside. The teams have access to a variety of vehicles and equipment to help police such a challenging environment, including specialist off road vehicles and night vison equipment. 

This latest operation gave officers the opportunity to ensure that they continue to work closely together to disrupt criminals and prevent crime. 

Sergeant Rob Peacock, deputy commander for the Staffordshire Moorlands neighbourhood policing team, said: “There has been some really positive teamwork between the three forces over the last few days and I hope the increased presence has provided reassurance and deterred those planning wrongdoing. My officers have used this opportunity to share a lot of crime prevention information and hopefully made an impact on crime in the local area.

“This operation is part of an ongoing plan to tackle rural and wildlife crime in the Staffordshire Moorlands. We have had some positive successes recently around rural thefts and I am confident we can continue to disrupt criminal activity in rural areas.”

Working together provides an opportunity for officers to share intelligence on criminals and as a result they are able to piece bits of the jigsaw together to identify suspects and disrupt patterns of crime.

Sergeant Rob Simpson, of Cheshire Constabulary, added: “All three counties are blessed with beautiful scenery that draws visitors from across the country but unfortunately there are some who take advantage and commit offences. 

“As we continue to move forward, we want to reassure our rural communities that we are all committed to delivering a high standard of policing for them.”

In Cheshire there were four arrests – all for drink or drug driving, one traffic offence report, one cannabis warning issued and one vehicle seizure. On the Friday evening a dusting of snow meant that officers spent most of the evening helping motorists struggling in the conditions. 

See the work carried out by officers tackling rural crime on Twitter by following @CheshPolRural @PoliceMacc.