Trespassing and poaching discussed at rural crime meeting put on by Hampshire police

More than 100 people attended a meeting put on by Hampshire police to discuss rural crime.

The meeting, which took place on Friday, January 12 at the Candover Valley Club in Brown Candover, gave the local community a platform to discuss issues in the Basingstoke, Winchester and Hart districts with officers.

Matters discussed included a recent rise in trespass and poaching offences.

Basingstoke Rural Police Sergeant Martyn Evans said: “Our officers take rural crime very seriously, as the impacts on the livelihoods of those affected can be devastating.

“I want to stress that we are committed to solving the issues that you face and our teams are in this for the long term.

“The use of technology is also at the forefront of how we will be taking on these criminals.

“With the use of drones, thermal cameras and other items at our disposal, our officers have the tools to relentlessly pursue rural criminals, and I anticipate positive outcomes will follow.”

Mr Evans said that if you ever see something that doesn’t feel right, you should call 999 and report it.

He also said that if it is a live poaching incident, those calling should state it is an ‘Operation Galileo offence’.

He added: “We are more determined than ever to arrest, prosecute and make life as uncomfortable as possible for those trying to blight the rural community.”