Rural criminals have been targeted as police from South Shropshire carried out another successful initiative to tackle rural thefts.

Throughout the night on Thursday, July 30, into Friday, July 31, officers patrolled rural areas around Church Stretton out to Bishop’s Castle.

The initiative is the latest of its kind which saw officers from West Mercia Police work with Dyfed-Powys who carried out a similar operation in Powys.

Along with high visibility patrols, vehicles were stopped and motorists spoken to on key roads in the area.

Sergeant Damien Kelly, from South Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We know that our local communities have been concerned about a spate of rural thefts recently and want to let them know we are doing all we can to tackle these.

“Providing a highly visible police presence in the area not only acts as a deterrent to criminals but provides reassurance to residents and I would like to offer my assurances that we will continue to carry out these operations on a regular basis.”

Despite this, the cost of rural crime Shropshire has increased, a report published by NFU Mutual revealed this week.

Police Chief Superintendent Sue Thomas, who is the West Mercia Police’s lead on rural crime, is keen to reassure rural communities that action is being taken.

“The impact of rural crime on farmers, businesses and the local communities shouldn’t be underestimated and the increasing sophistication of organised criminals targeting agricultural plant, livestock, farm vehicles and machinery means we need to be creative in both detecting and preventing these crimes and working closely with the community to do so.

“Just last week rural criminals were targeted in South Shropshire to tackle thefts.

“This saw high visibility patrols, vehicles stopped and motorists spoken to on key roads in the area.

“Neighbouring Dyfed-Powys Police simultaneously carried out a similar operation in Powys.

“This high visibility presence not only acts as a deterrent to criminals but provides reassurance to residents and I hope shows that we work together colleagues from other police forces to ensure there is no safe area for criminals to commit their crimes.

“We will be carrying out these operations on a regular basis across our force area.”