Dorset's recently-formed rural crime team had a high-profile new member recently, when the county's police commissioner joined officers on patrol.

Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill joined Dorset Police's rural crime team on its beat to rural locations across the county, including farms at Chantmarle, West Stafford and North Holworth, all in West Dorset.

The rural team was formed in August 2016 to counter concern among countryside-dwellers that their areas were sparsely served by patrolling police officers.

Mr Underhill said: “Before the Rural Crime Team was in place, fear of crime was high among rural residents. Having met with a number of farmers, rural business owners and residents during my patrol visit, it’s clear to see that fantastic progress has already been made. Our rural communities are now more engaged with Dorset Police and confidence in reporting is up.”

The team comprises a rural crime co-ordinator, a rural engagement officer and a rural crime analyst, and its establishment formed a key plank of Mr Underhill's re-election campaign.

Since then, the team has trained fellow officers, call handlers and radio operators to ensure that Dorset Police deals with reports of rural crime consistently and efficiently. Using its members' particular expertise, the team has provided guidance during investigations, conducted a number of targeted operations to seize property stolen from rural communities and worked closely with surrounding forces and enforcement partners.

PC Claire Dinsdale, the team's rural crime co-ordinator, said: “It’s great to have the support of the PCC in raising awareness of the types of crime affecting rural Dorset. Farmyards, farmhouses, barns and outbuildings hold a lot of valuable equipment and machinery that appeals to thieves. Isolated buildings pose the greatest risk as they are easy to access without being disturbed."

The team's rural engagement officer, PCSO Tom Balchin, said: “As well as working to make important crime prevention advice easily accessible, with the support of our communities we have been building a stronger intelligence picture to pave the way for more effective policing. We have recently charged three people with poaching offences, thanks to a great response from farmers reporting suspicious callers, vehicles and related registration numbers near their farms."