New Rural Crime Task Force Launched to Target Organised Criminal Gangs in Hampshire and Isle of Wight

A new dedicated task force has been launched by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to crack down on serious and organised crime plaguing the region’s rural communities.

The Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force brings together the existing expertise of the long-established Country Watch team with a newly-formed, proactive unit focused on tackling high-impact rural offences such as theft of agricultural machinery, wildlife crime, and environmental damage.

Rural areas make up around 75% of the policing footprint in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and law enforcement officials say organised criminal gangs are increasingly targeting these communities — operating across county lines to steal valuable equipment, poach wildlife, and intimidate landowners.

Assistant Chief Constable Tara McGovern said the newly reinforced team is equipped with specialist technology including mobile ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras and drones, and will conduct daily patrols in rural crime hotspots.

“Country Watch has been an established team for many years, made up of officers and staff who routinely investigate rural and wildlife crime, patrol isolated rural areas, engage with impacted communities, and work collaboratively with other police teams, forces and partners to conduct proactive operations.
“Over time the team has procured a number of specialist assets, such as mobile ANPR cameras and drones, to bolster their skillset.
“All of that skill, expertise and technology will not only be retained by the Task Force but reinforced with an additional proactive team of officers to relentlessly pursue offenders and provide a valuable visible presence in communities.
“The additional officers are a dedicated asset to respond to any 999 calls from rural communities.
“They will conduct daily patrols in hotspot areas for rural crime, and exercise their powers to proactively stop vehicles and gather intelligence to make the environment a hostile place for organised crime gangs.
“They will also work as part of the wider Country Watch task force and with other local policing colleagues – such as Local Bobbies, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and Area Crime Teams – to carry out regular proactive operations focused on disrupting individuals who are actively involved in this type of offending in our area.
“Rural criminals cause misery to hardworking farmers, gamekeepers and landowners, leaving so many feeling isolated and intimidated. We are putting more investment and co-ordination into tackling rural crime so we can keep these communities safe.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has backed the initiative as part of her wider pledge to make rural crime a priority.

“Since I became Police and Crime Commissioner I have made tackling rural crime one of my main priorities. I am investing millions of pounds into dealing with rural crime through initiatives such as the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force, ANPR cameras and thermal imaging technology to track offenders.
“We need to take the fight to the criminals and the organised crime gangs that are working across the beautiful countryside in our two counties.
“Their activities, such as theft of machinery, hare coursing, poaching, fishing and fly tipping, are leaving these farmers and landowners as well as their businesses suffering, but through the Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force I am determined that we can help our rural communities feel more safe and secure.”

The force is urging members of the public to report all suspicious activity or crimes, no matter how small, to help inform patrol routes and target resources effectively.

How to Report Rural Crime
• Phone: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)
• Online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website
• Anonymous tip-offs: Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website
• DISC Members: Email information to discreports@hampshire.police.uk

Police encourage businesses and individuals involved in the rural or wildlife sectors to consider joining DISC

If you have a business connection to the rural and wildlife environment, you may be eligible to be a member of DISC. Please email discreports@hampshire.police.uk