Rural crime crackdown getting results - police

Warwickshire Police launched a dedicated team in 2019

Stolen vehicles and equipment worth £4m have been recovered by officers in Warwickshire, following renewed efforts to tackle rural crime.

Things like farm tools and trailers have been recovered since a dedicated team was launched five years ago, according to the county's police force.

Officers are based in Stratford for the south Warwickshire and Atherstone for the north and east.

Warwickshire Police said specialised kit had been used to keep farmers and rural communities safe.

According to Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe, crime in rural areas remains a major concern.

He said he would continue to support officers who were tackling the problem, which can include threats to livestock and fly-tipping.

In August, officers said more than 100 sheep were stolen from fields in Warwickshire over the summer.

Rural crime officers were working to investigate the missing animals amid concerns they were illegally slaughtered, Warwickshire Police said at the time.

Warwickshire Police's rural crime team is marking its fifth anniversary

Mr Seccombe said: "I know through my regular engagement with farmers and rural businesses that crime can have a devastating effect."

"This work is very much crucial to key areas of our community.”

Ch Insp Katie Reynolds said the team had made a "remarkable" impact on a county with a high proportion of rural space.

“Dedicated equipment and focus combined with a relentless ethos to protect their communities is a winning combination," she added.