DYNAMIC duo Chris Forshaw and Tim Poole have scooped a police award for fighting countryside crime.

The constables have jointly won the Public Confidence Award for their work on the Stop that Thief and Stop that Oil campaigns.

Marshwood Vale’s PC Forshaw and Beaminster’s PC Poole were recognised at Dorset Police’s annual awards ceremony at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester.

PC Poole said: “Chris and I are delighted to win this award for the recognition it gives our schemes – Stop that Thief and its offshoot Stop that Oil – both of which are becoming useful and effective tools in local crime prevention. Our thanks go especially to Paul Bennett, NFU branch secretary at Beaminster, and the local farming community for their support for Stop that Thief and to local oil installers for their support for Stop that Oil.”

West Dorset NFU secretary Paul Bennett added: “Stop that Thief has been seen by farmers in West Dorset as a very positive measure to combat rural crime.

“There is no doubt the linchpins of its success has been the dedication shown by Tim and Chris.

“Their teamwork with us and the individual farmers has been brilliant.”

Following the success of Stop that Thief, the officers launched Stop that Oil. It was developed to halt the theft of heating oil from tanks outside homes.

The officers identified a device that activates following a sudden drop in the oil gauge.

The Crime Prevention Panel and four plumbing engineers have signed up to the scheme, with the plumbers agreeing a fixed price for the installation of the alarm.

Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis Crime Prevention Panel chairman Sally Parker said: “We strongly support all the hard work of PCs Poole and Forshaw.

“We say well done to Chris and Tim for their community spirit.”

The officers were presented with their award by the High Sheriff of Dorset, Timothy Palmer.

l Lyme Regis community beat manager was also recognised for his efforts in driving down crime in the town.

PC Richard Winward was named Community Police Office of the Year at Dorset Police’s annual awards ceremony.

He received the Michael Stannard Award from Chief Constable Martin Baker.