Chief Inspector Kory Thorne leads on rural issues for the force and chairs the Rural Issues Group:
"Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are predominantly rural counties. The rural geography of this area presents unique policing challenges for Hampshire Constabulary. Preventing and detecting crime is often harder due to the fact that there may be fewer witnesses to criminal activity and there are greater opportunities for criminals to target isolated properties and businesses.
"Rural Safer Neighbourhoods teams have been working hard in rural towns and villages to identify priorities and solve community problems. Hampshire Constabulary however, has recognised that more can be done to enhance service delivery in rural areas. For this reason Country Watch has been expanded and is now being established across the three geographical policing areas of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The main aims of Country Watch are to reduce rural crime, reassure rural residents and to improve communication and engagement.
"Country Watch officers will be working closely with Safer Neighbourhoods teams to identify, and disrupt through proactive operations, those intent on committing offences in our rural areas."
Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson is the ACPO lead for Country Watch
The strategic force lead for Country Watch is Chief Superintendent Mark Chatterton
Click here to read a copy of our latest newsletter
A Rural Policing Event was held at Sparsholt College, Winchester on Friday, May 6 2011. Click here to find out more.
Country Watch Priorities
Through consultation with rural communities the following areas have been identified as having the greatest impact on rural life:
Rural Theft
Poaching
Fly Tipping
Nuisance Vehicles
Click on the map or the links below to find out more about your local Country Watch team.
Havant, Waterlooville, Gosport, Fareham, Park Gate, Leigh Park, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight
Hart, Fleet, Alton, Andover, Aldershot, Longmoor, Winchester, Basingstoke and Farnborough
New Forest, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Southampton and Romsey
If you would like to join Country Watch please fill in a membership form and send it to the email address above.
Rural Issues Group
This group is chaired by a chief inspector and is made up of representatives from all of the rural areas of Hampshire Constabulary. The group aims to share best practice, forge links with other rural police forces and community bodies and deal with emerging issues across the force.
You can view details of your Safer Neighbourhoods team online or find out who they are by calling 101.
Click here to find your local police team and their planned surgeries or mobile police station visits
http://www.secureyourfertiliser.co.uk
http://www.nfed.co.uk/horsewatch.htm
