A RURAL crime crackdown across East Hampshire has been launched say police.
East Hampshire Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Rob Earl said that the county wide Operation Falcon would run throughout January in rural areas, including East Hampshire.
He said: “The priorities will be fuel theft, theft from motor vehicles parked at beauty spots, and deer, fish and game poaching.
“The aim of contacting East Hampshire residents is to make them aware of the operation and offer advice crime prevention advice.”
For domestic fuel oil tanks and tanks holding farm diesel or petrol, police say that tanks should be left secure at all times, and lit by security lights.
PCSO Earl added: “Also limit the number of people who have access to the keys, or combination, to the locks.”
When parking in a beauty spot car park, or isolated rural location, make you leave it locked and secure, with all valuable items hidden, said PCSO Earl.
To prevent poaching, landowners are advised to make it as difficult as possible for would be poachers to gain access to potential poaching countryside.
PCSO Earl added: “If possible, remove all private access points that are no longer used and establish a single point of entry and exit, and xonsider fitting raised bollards, or digging ditches around the perimeter
“If you don’t need an entry point to get to fields or land, large logs or old machinery placed in front of gates will restrict access.
“And talk to your neighbours, find out what they know, and keep an eye out for each other.
He added: “If you are speaking to person, or persons, who you believe are committing a crime please ensure your own safety and back away should you be threatened.”
To contact police ring 101 for non emergency incidents or 999 for an immediate threat.
Information can also be provided anonymousely via Crime Stoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.