Sussex Police has completed a week of targeted action aimed at tackling rural crime across the county.
The Rural Crime Week of Action ran from Sunday 6 to Saturday 12 September and focused on offences including unlicensed fishing, hare coursing, poaching, livestock worrying and organised acquisitive crime.
Officers carried out patrols and community engagement events across Sussex, as well as a number of vehicle stops.
Police say the activity was also aimed at helping residents recognise potential rural crime and building confidence within rural communities.
The Rural Crime Team also supported a multi-agency operation led by the Environment Agency, working alongside the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and West Sussex County Council.
The operation focused on waste crime and included checks on commercial vehicles.
A number of fines were issued by the agencies for offences including insecure loads, vehicles without an MOT and defective tyres.
Superintendent Michelle Palmer-Harris said: “Sussex is a majority rural county, and the Rural Crime Team plays a vital role in tackling crime and keeping rural communities safe.
“The Rural Crime Team also provide specialist expertise and knowledge to strengthen and support our response to crime reported across the county in both rural areas and in towns and cities.
“This week of action has been an opportunity for the team to work alongside Neighbourhood Policing Teams, and partner agencies to crack down on crime and engage with communities across Sussex.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “I've long recognised the importance of having a dedicated police team to tackle rural crime. The types of crimes experienced by our farming and landowning communities are often very different from those seen in our towns and on our high streets. Addressing them requires not only specific policing expertise and knowledge of the law but also an understanding of our countryside, wildlife, heritage sites, farming practices and technology.
“I am grateful to our dedicated Police Rural Crime Team for their continued targeted action directly with communities and with partner agencies. It is clear we are all working towards the same goal - to help ensure our beautiful county remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
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