A RURAL crime operation carried out by police in Droitwich and Pershore saw three vehicles, four trailers and one all-terrain vehicle (ATV) recovered and seven arrests made.
Operation Stark was led by the two towns’ Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) in conjunction with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) to recover stolen property and reduce rural crime.
Among the recovered items were two Land Rover Defenders, one Peugeot 307, four Ifor William trailers and the ATV.
Anthony Rastall, 71, from Tibberon was charged with theft of a trailer and Adrian Stokes, 37, from Tipton, was cautioned for theft of trailer.
Following the other arrests, a 34-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both from Dudley, were released under investigation, as was a 17-year-old from Worcester and a 24-year-old from Evesham.
A 37-year-old man from Bilston was released with no further action required.
PC Zoey Carter from the Pershore SNT said Operation Stark was highly successful.
“The huge geographic areas covered by rural forces and the vast array of road networks weaving through the countryside means many criminals may feel rural crime provides easier pickings.
“We know that offenders sometimes travel into communities intent on stealing quad bikes, 4x4s, farm machinery, tools and other valuable property but we are committed to doing all we can to reduce this, to recover previously stolen goods and arrest suspects we believe involved in rural crime activity.”
Police patrol rural areas continuously and advise people living and working in the country to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 101 or the new anonymous rural crime reporting line by ringing 0800 783 0137.
Alternatively, visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk .
Farmers or rural business owners wanting to know more about what West Mercia Police is doing to tackle rural crime should speak to their Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
