DOZENS of officers across the force area took part in an overnight operation last week to deter and disrupt rural crime simultaneously with neighbouring forces across the region.

For Avon and Somerset, Operation Midas involved extended patrols across the countryside and stop-checks on vehicles suspected of involvement in rural crime such as fuel, plant equipment, tool and livestock theft, on Friday, February 13.

The operation saw 70 suspect vehicles stopped on the night and six searched, including two which have resulted in further questioning for their occupants on drugs and weapon offences, and two others which had broken traffic regulations.

A popular feature of the operation was the inclusion of members of the rural community on ride-alongs with local officers. Seven took part on the day.

Avon and Somerset rural crime lead, Supt Geoff Wessell, said: “This was a brilliant effort by forces across the region to cooperate on crime in our countryside, and I’m pleased with the outcome of Operation Midas.

“A collective approach is vital for tackling rural crime which is why we were also pleased to welcome vehicle crime experts from the NFU on the operation, as well as members of the rural communities on local ride-alongs.

“There will be further concerted action like this over the coming months, in addition to the day-to-day work of the Rural Crime Team and local officers.”

Rural crime team sergeant, Stuart Williams, said: “We have much more work to do to over the next few weeks following-up the enquiries we made during Op Midas.

“Intelligence about suspicious activities and vehicles is vital for our work as rural officers and so I hope that anyone with information passes it to us by calling 101, or Crimestoppers, so that we can act on it.

“The Rural Crime Team and rural beat teams also have expertise and resources for crime prevention on farms, smallholdings and stables which we are pleased to share. Just call your local station to speak to an officer about how we can help.”