TODAY marks the start of Rural Crime Week.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is hosting a week of action aimed at combatting rural crime.

Throughout the week of action, local officers, dedicated rural crime officers and volunteers will be targeting issues which affect rural communities including hare coursing and fly-tipping as well as the theft of fuel, machinery and livestock.

Chief Inspector Richard Pegler said: "The winter nights are drawing in and we want our communities to be prepared and informed as to how they can spot the signs of rural and wildlife crime taking place and how to report them to us.

"We are at the forefront of national policing in how we tackle this type of crime in having well established dedicated officers with specialist equipment and training who understand the community’s needs.

"We will continue to work in partnership across the county to tackle issues highlighted in the national policing strategies such as machinery and fuel theft and the persecution of badgers and raptors.

"This year I am delighted to launch our week with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust who do a fantastic job of protecting and connecting our wildlife and wild places. Never has there been a more important time for us to have access to open green space for our wellbeing due to the Covid pandemic, but we must understand and appreciate what we have around us and take care of it.

"Rural and wildlife crime is present in our county and we are dedicated to preventing it and minimising the impact that it has."

Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire, said: “Fighting rural crime remains an important part of my refreshed Police and Crime Plan because I understand how rural communities suffer from being targeted by organised gangs and how difficult it can be for the police to tackle it in widespread areas where resources are less concentrated.

“Criminals know no borders so it is essential that we work with others to look at the wider picture, including the local residents who can do so much to help prevent and detect”.