Rural patrols continue to take place in south Shropshire

Officers in south Shropshire have kicked off the new year by continuing with patrols as part of Operation Whitebeam, which targets people who may be involved in rural acquisitive crime.

South Shropshire Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) have continued with the operation following support from farms, which sees officers and PCSOs carry out high visibility patrols across south Shropshire towns, including 47 surrounding parishes of concern.

The first operation of the year took place on Tuesday evening (January 7) and into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

On Tuesday officers were alerted to an incident, believed to be hare coursing in Badger near Bridgnorth, where three suspects made off in a vehicle when officers arrived. Officers will now be carrying out high visibility patrols within this area in the upcoming months.

Valuable intelligence was gained during the operation and detailed reports have been created to make other officers aware of information, which will allow them to act upon it if needed.

15 vehicle checks were also conducted and earlier in the week officers visited seven farms, providing security and crime prevention advice as part of the operation.

Inspector Damien Kelly, from South Shropshire’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Operation Whitebeam continues to be a successful initiative helping to reduce rural thefts.

“As part of the operation officers and PCSOs carry out a number of visible patrols, increasing police presence in areas were know are targeted by criminals, to deter them and provide reassurance to the community.

“Carrying out high visibility and plain vehicle patrols, we are able to speak to the public about the operation, and how we as a force are tackling rural crime especially with the darker nights now upon us.

“We remain committed to keeping our communities safe and we want them know that these initiatives are helping achieve this.”