Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have been reflecting on their successes after a week of action to tackle rural crime.
Dorset Police Rural Crime Team have arrested 61 people, seized 44 vehicles and recovered £1.3 million in cash and assets since an uplift to the team in 2021.
The uplift took the small team of three which was established in 2016 to a team of 17.
Chief Inspector Andy Edwards, from the Dorset County Local Policing Area, said: “The team works hard to prevent crime in rural communities and disrupt serious organised acquisitive crime across the southwest region.
"This week provided an opportunity for us to highlight the work of the team and give the public an insight into the improvements we have made as a result of Uplift.”
On Monday, September 18, the Rural Crime Team was recognised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council for ‘Most innovative partnership to tackle serious and organised acquisitive crime’.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “The Rural Crime Team have done the county proud during the National Week of Action.
"I got to see first-hand the work they did during what turned out to be an incredibly busy week for the whole team and my thanks goes to them on behalf of our rural communities.
"The good news continues and I must say that I am delighted to see the dedication and professionalism of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team recognised by the NPCC with this award for ‘most innovative partnership to tackle serious and organised acquisitive crime’.
“I’d like to thank every member of the team for their continued hard work, it is their passion and determination to tackle rural crime and catch offenders that has led to them winning this award.
Chief Inspector Andy Edwards added: “I am incredibly proud of the work the team have done and will continue to do.
"I would like to thank the public for their continued support of the Rural Crime Team.
"No-one knows our rural communities better than the residents who live and work there, so we will build on that knowledge and community intelligence to protect rural communities of Dorset.”
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