There is a cross-border commitment to tackle rural crime in the south of the country.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and his counterparts in Wiltshire and Hampshire met on November 22 to discuss increasing violence associated with rural crime, including agricultural machinery theft, hare coursing, and poaching.

The meeting in Faccombe also included MPs Kit Malthouse and Danny Kruger, officers from each force, and Superintendent Andy Huddleston, head of the National Rural Crime Unit.

The attendees discussed improved collaboration to 'relentlessly pursue and prosecute' those who target rural communities with violence and threats.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said: "It was a pleasure to meet with counterparts in Wiltshire and Hampshire last week, alongside Kit Malthouse MP, to discuss better intelligence sharing and how we can tackle the growing prevalence of crime in our rural communities together.

"The Thames Valley has an outstanding Rural Crime Taskforce, which has been working tirelessly since its launch in March 2022.

"In that time, they have conducted hundreds of investigations and provided invaluable crime prevention advice to rural residents."

The taskforce, established in March 2022, comprises a dedicated team of officers and intelligence specialists.

By working closely with partners and communities, the taskforce aims to combat serious organised rural crime and enhance safety in rural areas.

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, voiced his concerns about the escalating violence, stating: "We have seen two incidents of vehicles being used as weapons by offenders who are determined to cause significant harm, both financially and physically, to our rural communities.

"We know that much of this criminality is linked to organised crime groups, and these criminals do not recognise borders, and nor must we if we're to protect our residents and target those causing harm."

Operation Ragwort, a collaboration to combat rural crime, was formed last year between all police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners in the south-west.

It aims to share intelligence and resources between the forces in Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, and Gloucestershire.

Mr Wilkinson said he would like to onboard more police forces in the south to Operation Ragwort.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, said: "Rural communities are the backbone of our counties, and no one should feel unsafe in their own home, business, or community.

"The escalating violence tied to rural crime is deeply concerning, and we will not stand by while criminals target rural residents with such disregard."

The commissioners hope their united front will send a strong message to those involved in spreading fear and terror.