Funding Enhances Safety Gear for Mounted Rural Patrol Volunteers

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Mounted Rural Patrol (MRP) Volunteers have received a significant boost this month following additional funding and equipment provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the British Horse Society (BHS).

The investment has enabled the Constabulary to supply 22 current volunteers with enhanced high‑visibility horse veils and breast plates, improving the visibility and safety of riders and their horses while on patrol. Sufficient additional kit has also been secured to equip new volunteers expected to join in the coming year.

The Mounted Rural Patrol Volunteer Scheme allows fully vetted riders from local communities to assist the Constabulary in tackling and reducing rural crime. Acting as the “eyes and ears” of the countryside, volunteers help strengthen situational awareness and reporting across rural areas.

The scheme supports and promotes:

• Gathering and passing on intelligence
• Security and crime‑prevention awareness
• Reporting suspicious and criminal activity
• Effective communication with rural communities
• Identification of anti-social behaviour and animal‑related offences

Rural crime affects everyone – from wildlife harmed by illegal hunting practices, to the environment damaged by fly‑tipping and hazardous waste, to farms targeted for high‑value equipment, diesel, and livestock theft. The impact reaches far beyond those who live or work in the countryside.

MRP volunteers play an invaluable role in helping to deter such offences by increasing visibility, offering reassurance, and actively reporting incidents while out riding in rural spaces across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The Mounted Rural Patrol Scheme is currently seeking new volunteers in the following areas:

• Hart
• Rushmoor
• Alton
• Winchester Rural

Residents who own a horse, and care about the protection of their countryside and wish to take part in a county‑wide initiative are encouraged to get in touch.

For further information or to express interest in volunteering, please contact: [email protected]