A POLICE operation targeting poachers and rural crime is being launched across East Hampshire.

Operation Falcon is the force wide drive to reduce countryside crime, and will run for a month.

East Hampshire Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Nicola Howieson said: “As a result, I am contacting East Hampshire residents to make them aware of Operation Falcon and offer advice to prevent rural crime.”

Police have also issued an advice list to help prevent outbuildings being targeted by thieves.

Place tools and garden equipment in locked sheds, garages and barns, secure more expensive items to an anchor point, and consider fitting alarms, and putting curtains over windows to hide what’s inside.

Record serial numbers and mark all items with a postcode, using either UV pens or forensic marking kits, and register the details for free on www.immobilise.com.

Take photographs of items if they are unusual or unique for easy identification at a later date..

External lighting is suggested, as are regular checks to ensure fences and boundaries are in good repair to prevent

unlawful access.

For commercial premises, PCSO Howieson suggests owners should work their way through a check list.

She said: “Owners should ask what crime has there been nearby, and is there a business watch scheme in the area?

“They should talk to other businesses and organisations nearby, and try and find out what the targets and threats re, and consider the effect of crime.

“They should consider roads, footpaths and getaway routes, and walk around the boundary. Check walls and fences.

“Consider climbing risks, flat roofs, visibility and weak points. Are access points secure? Check the perimeter, car parks, loading areas and so on.

“Remove anything that will help a criminal, They should also look at ram raiders, and check if access points secure, and if there are any vulnerable areas or weak points.”

To make life as difficult as possible for poachers she advises that raised bollards at access points and perimeter ditches should be considered for areas poachers might target.

PCSO Howieson added: “If possible, remove all private access points that are no longer used and establish a single point of entry and exit.

“Provided you don’t need regular access, large logs placed in front of gates will restrict entry.

“Consider CCTV or alarms systems that will capture pictures and send alerts to your mobile phone or email.

“Ensure you erect signage that your CCTV is in use – the purpose is to deter immediately rather than capture images of who is using your land.

“And finally, talk to your neighbours, find out what they know, and keep an eye out for each other.

For more information contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101. For general crime prevention advice, visit the website - www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/crime-prevention/