POLICE have taken part in a cross border operation to tackle criminals targeting rural communities.

Dorset Police joined forces with officers from Hampshire and Wiltshire to detect and prevent those using road networks around the county borders to commit rural-related crimes.

As part of the operation, named 'Midas', overt and covert patrols were undertaken in hotspot areas to target crimes such as poaching, non-dwelling burglary and theft from motor vehicles in isolated areas.

The operation utilised specialist resources, including roads policing teams, Dorset Police’s ‘No Excuse’ team, neighbourhood policing teams and road fuel testing units.

The operation led to 49 vehicles being stopped and six arrests being made. These were for: drink driving, possession of illegal drugs, failing to stop at an accident and for an outstanding court warrant.

Police found three vehicles had illicit diesel fuel in their tanks and 12 fixed penalty notices were issued for a variety of road traffic related incidents. Six vehicles were also seized by police.

Intelligence was also gained as a result of the operation.

Inspector Wayne Nock, of Dorset Police who led the operation, said: “These operations are a recognised tactic in the fight against rural crime. This is the seventh tri-force operation that we have participated in and it will be repeated at intervals throughout the year to deny cross border criminals the use of the roads.

“This joined up approach sends a strong message to those who choose to use the road networks to commit crime. Travelling across police force boundaries will not stop criminals from being dealt with positively and robustly.”

For non-urgent matters, or to make an enquiry, please go to dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function.

Here you can pass all the details of your enquiry to Dorset Police via the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.