Blitz on crime in 'underserved' rural community

Actions days on rural crime included looking at "close passes" involving cars and horses

The head of Surrey's rural crime unit said the countryside community has felt "underserved" by police in the past.

Ch Insp Chris Tinney was speaking at the launch of an initiative to "send a message" that rural crime will be tackled.

Poaching, vehicle and machinery theft and road safety for horse riders were all tackled in two days of "proactive work", Surrey Police said.

Ch Insp Tinney said: "My hope is that this targeted day of action sends a message to this community that Surrey Police is dedicated to tackling rural crime across our county."

The two-day "intensive" action on 6 and 7 September led to five arrests and more than 80 vehicle stops.

He said the "good results" only came to the force's attention because of the proactive work carried out by officers and partners in instances that "would not have been reported to police otherwise".

"I want to thank our partners for their time and expertise and hope to see us working together again soon," he added.

Surrey Police said on the night of September 6, more than 20 officers using drones carried out a series of poaching patrols in Mole Valley and Waverley.

This led to four men being stopped with dogs and lamps in fields in Shere, and a poaching investigation is now underway, the force said.

In partnership with the British Horse Society, police also assessed and advised drivers on their reactions to horses on the road, saying there were 21 close passes across the two days.