A RURAL crime operation by police in Stroud has been deemed a great success by officers who took part.

The crackdown took place over three consecutive nights between Thursday and Saturday last week (12-15 August) and aimed to identify anyone drink driving, poaching or stealing farm machinery in the Slad Valley, Edgeworth and Bisley areas.

A specialist rural officer was joined by officers from the Special Constabulary to carry out spot checks on vehicles and to respond to any reports of suspicious activity from a network of local landowners and gamekeepers

Over the three nights 41 people were breath tested and all found to be below the legal limit; one person was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs and one person was given a street caution for possession of cannabis. 

No one was arrested on suspicion of poaching but suspicious activity was spotted and valuable information gained from the operation.

Rural and Environmental Crime Officer Ashley Weller said: ‘’Operation Firefly was a great success. In terms of drink driving we know that in rural locations people sometimes feel they might risk it rather than get a lift or taxi, so it was really pleasing to see our recent campaigns have hit home. 
  
"We also saw headlights and torch lights in a field and although we didn't catch up with the people we believe we prevented poachers from committing barbaric acts of cruelty against deer.

"My goal is to make the rural community feel safe and reassured and there are now over 30 officers in the county who specialise in doing this with me.

"If you would like more information and to find out how to join our Rural Watch scheme, please visit  www.gloucestershire.police.uk/staying-safe/staying-safe-rurally-and-in-our-environment/rural-watch/.

"If you have any information on rural crime please call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk."