WINCHESTER police joined forces with partnership agencies to clamp down on crime in rural areas.

Officers from the district's Greater Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with Country Watch and the Roads Policing Unit.

Supported by the Environment Agency and Winchester City Council, they stopped 55 vehicles in the district and 29 incidents were dealt with.

Seven PG9 prohibition notices were issued for vehicle defects; two vehicles were seized for driving without insurance; two vehicles were searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act; 11 traffic endorsable offences, such as bald tires, were dealt with; five people were referred to the Environmental Agency for issues with waste carrier licenses; and two vehicles were dealt with by the DVSA for being overweight.

PC Ian Bassett, of the Country Watch team, said: “These days of action are important for us to address ongoing issues, and to provide reassurance to our communities that we take their concerns seriously.

“We use an intelligence led approach, and will use whatever tactics necessary to disrupt and deter criminality.

"I am aware that there has been a significant rise in the theft of catalytic converters in the area, operations such as these go along way to disrupt those involved in this type of offence.

“I would like to assure residents and landowners that we take rural crime extremely seriously. We are conducting patrols in rural areas but we would urge anyone to ensure as far as possible to secure and alarm their buildings and property mark their equipment. Consider installing CCTV, tracker devices, automatic security lights and intruder alarm systems.

“Try not to leave any valuables in your vehicles, and where possible park in well-lit areas or keep your vehicles secure in a garage.

“Rural crime is a priority for us and we will continue to relentlessly pursue suspects. The community are our eyes and ears and we encourage you to report all incidents as soon as you are able to by calling 101 if it’s not an emergency. If it’s happening there and then, always call 999."

This operation was in response to recent criminality in the area. It was specifically aimed at tackling plant thefts, dwelling and non-dwelling burglaries, and vehicle crime.

Police wanted to identify those responsible for committing crime in the area, gathering intelligence through the use of stop checks on vehicles, and to provide reassurance to the community.