Dorset Police news site

Officers from Dorset Police have recovered stolen property, investigated wildlife crime and joined regional colleagues in targeted activity to tackle rural crime during a week of action.

During Rural Crime Action Week, which ran from Monday 7 September to Sunday 13 September 2026, officers from the Rural Crime Team supported Wiltshire Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary for a cross-border operation, which aims to proactively target crime in rural communities.

Officers carried out proactive patrols across rural areas bordering our neighbouring force areas, engaged with local farmers, landowners and rural communities to provide advice, reassurance and gather local intelligence.

The Rural Crime Team also saw the following results during the week:

• Following enquiries and work with Avon and Somerset Police as part of ongoing cross-border collaboration, officers seized a suspected stolen car on a cloned numberplate. A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, possession of weapons offences and driving offences before being released on bail.
• Officers recovered stolen plant machinery parts worth several thousands of pounds from an address in East Dorset.
• Officers investigated a suspected deer poaching offence. Poaching remains a concern across rural communities, causing harm to wildlife and impacting those who live, work and enjoy the countryside. Officers continue to work with landowners, partners and local communities to tackle wildlife crime and protect rural areas.
• The team located a vehicle that had been used in the recent theft of plant machinery. Enquiries remain ongoing to identify those involved.
• Officers carried out yard and tack security visits, advising on security to help ensure property is protected. Advice includes marking valuable equipment with a forensic marking product such as SelectaDNA, recording serial numbers and chassis numbers and photographing equipment, as well as registering trailers and ensuring they are kept in secured areas.
• The team held a Community Contact Point in Alderholt, engaging with residents and discussing the issues that matter to the local community.
• Targeted crime prevention visits were also carried out following the theft of a quad bike.

Inspector Adam Gill, of Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We are absolutely committed to tackling the issues that affect those living in our rural communities.

“As well as supporting our colleagues from Wiltshire and Hampshire as part of this operation and strengthening our collaboration with neighbouring forces and partners in sharing intelligence and resources, our work has also seen positive results locally.

“This reflects the work that happens day in and day out to keep people in our rural communities safe.

“The team has also engaged positively with the public and stakeholders throughout the week, following a positive weekend of engagement at the Dorset County Show. This engagement is vital to understanding and listening to our rural communities and remains a key part of our work across Dorset.

“I would like to reassure those living in our rural areas that we remain committed to protecting you and your property and driving down rural crime. You can help us by continuing to report any intelligence or suspicious activity you see.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Dorset is a proudly rural county, and I know the significant impact rural crime can have on our farming communities, rural businesses and residents. That is why tackling rural crime remains a priority for me.

“The National Rural Crime Week of Action is a great opportunity for Dorset Police and its partners to demonstrate the proactive work taking place across the county to prevent crime, disrupt offenders and protect our rural communities. I am pleased to see Dorset Police have had some great results during the week, including recovering several thousand pounds’ worth of stolen plant machinery, joining neighbouring forces and helping our rural communities protect themselves through yard and tack security visits.

“By working together, sharing intelligence and taking proactive action, we are sending a clear message to those who target our rural communities: Dorset is not an easy target, and we will continue to work together to make it increasingly difficult for criminals to operate here.”

If you have any information relating to issues affecting your community, you can report it by visiting the Dorset Police website.

For information about upcoming engagement events and the latest crime prevention advice, you can follow the Dorset Rural Crime Team on Facebook and Instagram.