Dozens of officers across the force area took part in an overnight operation last Friday to deter and disrupt rural crime simultaneously with neighbouring forces across the region.
For Avon and Somerset, Operation Midas involved extended patrols across the countryside and stop-checks on vehicles suspected of involvement in rural crime such as fuel, plant equipment, tool and livestock theft.
There was one arrest in connection with a stolen vehicle which had been spotted by a Special Constable on the A38 near Wellington. The driver of the Ford Transit, which had been reported stolen from Bampton was soon arrested and taken into custody at Bridgwater. The 33-year-old suspect from Devon was subsequently released on bail and the vehicle returned to its owner.
This was one among 70 suspect vehicles stopped on the night. Six were searched, including two which have resulted in further questioning for their occupants on drugs and weapon offences, and two others which had broken traffic regulations.
A popular feature of the operation was the inclusion of members of the rural community on ride-alongs with local officers. Seven took part on the day.
Avon and Somerset Rural Crime Lead, Supt Geoff Wessell, said: “This was a brilliant effort by forces across the region to cooperate on crime in our countryside, and I’m pleased with the outcome of Operation Midas.
“A collective approach is vital for tackling rural crime which is why we were also pleased to welcome vehicle crime experts from the NFU on the operation, as well as members of the rural communities on local ride-alongs.
“There will be further concerted action like this over the coming months, in addition to the day-to-day work of the Rural Crime Team and local officers.”
In the Mendip area, officers spotted a new tractor towing a large feed mixer without registration or trade plates and stopped them on suspicion of being stolen. They were not stolen, but both the driver and the operator, from the Wanstrow area, have been reported for traffic offences including driving without insurance.
Rural Crime Team Sergeant Stuart Williams said: “We have much more work to do to over the next few weeks following-up the enquiries we made during Op Midas.
“Intelligence about suspicious activities and vehicles is vital for our work as rural officers and so I hope that anyone with information passes it to us by calling 101, or Crimestoppers, so that we can act on it.
“The Rural Crime Team and rural beat teams also have expertise and resources for crime prevention on farms, smallholdings and stables which we are pleased to share. Just call your local station to speak to an officer about how we can help.”
Churchstanton Parish Council chairman Alun Tarr joined one of our Operation Midas patrols on the force’s ride-along scheme.
He said: “From the briefing I joined at my local station I discovered how rural police operations like Midas are targeted with regards to individuals, vehicles and activities.
“Rural policing is not simply driving around to be seen by the public with the hope of being in the right place at the right time. Effective policing is a joint effort between the police and the community, so providing accurate information to the police and vigilance by the community is essential especially in rural areas.
“On the road, I discovered how criminals are able to take advantage of lax security. Leaving a van on a quiet business park, with the lock hanging out and thousands of pounds worth of carpentry equipment in the back is not sensible, nor is fitting cheaper chains and locks because bolt cutters will make short work of them.
“I learned a lot in the two and a half hours on my ride-along about how effective policing should be conducted, how the officers face strict rules and procedures in their efforts against criminals who stick to none, and how bad security is creating opportunities for criminals.”
