TWO police officers from Dorset’s Rural Crime Team have been honoured for their hard work.

Police Constable Claire Dinsdale and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Tom Balchin received The Environmental Award presented by the Chief Constable Debbie Simpson for their dedication to fighting rural crime.

They were presented with the honour at the annual Dorset Police Awards Ceremony at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne on Tuesday, February 20.

The rural crime team (RCT) has already received considerable praise, positive feedback and attention from the public, partners and the police service alike.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “Claire and Tom work well together and have brought considerable positive attention to Dorset Police and the RCT via public engagement on social media outlets. The RCT was even discussed and praised by MPs in the House of Commons.

“The team have received considerable press and media attention over the past year with the Dorset Police tractor “ROBOCROP” featuring on Radio 1. This reached 7.4million listeners over a number of days demonstrating the exceptional work of the team and their commitment to engaging with the public.

“The RCT have worked really hard to build relationships and increase trust and confidence in Dorset Police within the rural community and they are truly deserving of this award.”

The team was launched in August 2016 as part of Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill’s first 100 days in office pledges.

The team deals with livestock worrying and theft, and runs horse and farm watch schemes, but also deals with issues such as flytipping and rural crime prevention advice.

Regular meetings are held with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders to discuss issues impacting the rural community and what can be done about them.

Speaking at the launch of the team, Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper said it would offer a “bespoke approach” to tackling rural crime, as well as introducing consistency across intelligence, investigation and crime prevention.

For rural crime prevention advice, visit www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/rural-crime/