Country Watch News

Rural Crime Updates

Watch a series of videos relating to rural crime on the  Police and Crime Commissioner's YouTube channel here.

Read the latest newsletter on rural crime from Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, here.

Rural Crime Prevention Leaflet

The Dorset Partnership Against Rural Crime (DPARC) has launched an information leaflet which gives hints and tips on crime prevention, especially for those living in rural areas.

The information leaflet gives proactive advice on how to help keep farms, land and machinery safe, with key police-approved information and advice on how to prevent residents from becoming a victim of crime

Download the leaflet here.

Have you seen The news...

In January 2025, a 28 year-old man from East Dorset and a 22 year-old woman from Wimborne were arrested by on suspicion after seven puppies were stolen in North Dorset. Following further investigations, a man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and he has also been released on police bail.

On 7 January 2025 officers in Sherbourne seized two trailers with one confirmed stolen in Wiltshire, and a number of garden tools reported. A 46-year-old man from Yetminster was arrested on suspicion of theft, burglary and handling stolen goods. He has been released under investigation as officers continue their enquiries.

In November 2024, one individual was arrested and a van linked to trailer theft across Dorest was seized. A number of power tools were also seized for identification.

On 19 November 2024, seven ponies were seized in relation to a welfare investigation. Officers from the Rural Crime Team attended a field in West Dorset alongside partners from the RSPCA, and World Horse Welfare charity. After an assessment from a vet, officers seized the ponies under the Animal welfare Act to prevent unnecessary suffering. An investigation is ongoing.

On 19 October 2024, Rural Crime Officers generated and progressed intelligence into a motorhome being sold online. It was found in Templecombe and identified as being stolen from Derbyshire so once tracked down, the motorhome was seized by offiers. An investigation has now started to identify those responsible for its theft. Another fantastic example of policing from our dedicated Rural Crime Team officers.

Officers from the Environment Agency, Dorset Police’s rural crime team and Dorset Council’s planning enforcement visited a site close to Verwood, near Wimborne in September 2024 to gather evidence and intelligence of potential illegal waste activity taking place at the site. They found evidence of domestic waste, including electrical goods, furniture and garden waste, some of which had been burnt, meaning pollutants have been emitted into the environment.

Farmer event in Dorchester to tackle livestock attacks - An event held near Dorchester will help to raise awareness and help farmers understand more on what to do when faced with a dog attack, how to protect livestock, how vets can help, learn about future deterrents - and provide an opportunity to talk to their local Rural Crime Team officers.

PCC Newsletter providing updates on a range of rural issues and measures put in place to enhance safety in Dorset's countryside, from September 2024.

PCC Newsletter highlighting partnership work helping to secure convictions against prolific offenders in Dorset, from March 2024.

Dorset Police Rural Crime Team #RuralLive - Officers shared on social media what they were up to...including stopping a number of vehicles, engagement with rural communities, videos of a few of the Rural Mounted Volunteers, and some positive outcomes!

Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team worked with officers from Wiltshire Police and Hampshire Police to disrupt poaching activity.

Dorset Police issue advice after rural break ins - The last few months have seen a spate of thefts in rural areas. With shed and outbuildings broken in to and power tools, quad bikes and other items stolen.  Dorset Police are urging rural residents remain vigilant and take extra precautions to make sure their possessions are secure.

Rural Mounted Volunteer scheme is launched in Dorset  - Dorset Police officially welcomed its first Rural Mounted Volunteers at a launch ceremony which took place at Kingston Maurward College yesterday evening, 12 October 2023.

Shaun the Sheep's Guide to The Countryside Code - general advice for being out and about in the countryside.

Apps offering waste disposal services are a new and emerging risk - make sure you know your duty of care obligations.Using apps to dispose of waste: know the risks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)