Rural crime day of action carried out in North Herts 

An operation aimed at tackling rural crime was carried out by police in North Herts earlier this month. 

Safer Neighbourhood Team officers were joined by colleagues from the Rural Operational Support Team on Saturday, August 5 as they carried out patrols in Ashwell, Hinxworth, Therfield and Kelshall. 

Royston Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team PC Tom Woollard, who organised the operation, said: "This was run because the farmers are starting to bring the harvest in and this in turn coincides with an increase in rural crime such as hare coursing and the theft of plant and farm machinery.  

"The operation went really well and despite the torrential rain, our high visibility presence meant that we were able to deter any criminality whilst at the same time touching base with our rural and farming communities to engage and reassure. 

"This certainly was not a one off with regular patrols and engagement events carried out with the rural communities across the county." 

You can report information about crime online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101. 

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.