More than 200 people and vehicle checks were carried out in one weekend in an effort to clamp down on rural crime.

Special constables from Dorset Police went out on high-visibility patrols throughout west Dorset in an attempt to tackle criminals working in the countryside.

This included work based on intelligence from the community.

Special Inspector Ben Muspratt, of Dorset Police, said: "This high-visibility operation demonstrates that we are committed to tackling these types of offences.

"We want to send out a clear message to potential criminals that we will continue to patrol these areas in order to prevent rural crime."

Checks of more than 200 people and vehicles were carried out throughout the area over the weekend, and one driver was reported for having no insurance.

Special constables also searched for a vehicle that did not stop for officers.

This is not the first year when such an operation has been carried out.

In 2015, an operation named Operation Midas saw Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset police officers work together to tackle rural crime.

This initiative led to arrests for drug and alcohol offences as well as the seizure of weapons. Potential poaching offences were also stopped.

Other recent actions to address rural crime include the erection of signs reminding dog owners to keep their pets on a lead around sheep.

Owners of dogs that attack livestock can face six months in prison and a £1,000 fine.

Anyone wishing to report rural crimes can contact the police or use the Rural Crime Reporting Line, which was set up through a partnership of the NFU and Crimestoppers.

A spokesman for the NFU said: "Rural crime is on the rise and it is a serious issue for farmers, businesses and those who live in the countryside. Whether it is fly-tipping, hare coursing, livestock theft or machinery theft, rural crime has a devastating effect on farms and other rural businesses.

"Those responsible for this blight on our countryside are suspected of having links to organised crime. It is vital we bring them to justice."

To use the hotline, call 0800 783 0137 or visit ruralcrimereportingline.uk