PCC Supports Continuing Cross‑Border Effort to Combat Rural Offending

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, has reaffirmed his commitment to partnership working and strengthened cross‑border collaboration as Operation Ragwort continues to bring together forces from across the South West to tackle rural crime.

Speaking about the importance of joint policing efforts that support Wiltshire’s rural communities, Wiltshire’s PCC said: “Our rural communities deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their farms and in their villages.

"Operation Ragwort is about forces working together across the region to protect the people who live and work in our countryside. By sharing intelligence and resources with our neighbouring counties, we can better prevent crime, disrupt organised gangs and provide a stronger, more visible response for local residents.

This collaboration ensures that no community is left to face these challenges alone.”

Speaking on a recent edition of the BBC's "Countryfile" programme, Mr Wilkinson added: "I started Operation Ragwort amongst the five police forces of the south-west so we can better target our resources to where it can have the most effect and stop this criminal activity.

"The real threat in Wiltshire to my farming communities is the serious organised crime gangs who, when confronted by the farmers, will cause any amount of harm. They are morally corrupt and they don't care who they injure."

His remarks highlight the strategic value he places on close regional partnerships, ensuring Wiltshire benefits from coordinated operational activity and shared expertise that strengthens the response to rural criminality.

As part of the ongoing Operation Ragwort activity, rural crime teams from Wiltshire, Dorset, Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and Gloucestershire recently joined forces with the Environment Agency and council officers for targeted action in Dorset. The coordinated work focused on intelligence‑led patrols to disrupt waste crime, poaching and the movement of stolen agricultural machinery.

Ten vehicles were stopped during waste‑related activity, with five inspected by the Environment Agency. While no illegal waste was found, officers dealt with a series of other offences, including a drug‑driving arrest, insecure loads, uninsured vehicles and prohibition notices for unsafe conditions.

A further 21 vehicles, including caravans, trailers and plant machinery, were checked, leading to one traffic offence report and advice given to other motorists. Alongside these enforcement efforts, PCSOs engaged with rural communities to offer crime‑prevention guidance, and drone teams supported proactive anti‑poaching patrols.

Reflecting on the benefits of coordinated regional work, Inspector Adam Gill, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “I want to thank all those who came along to support this joint day of action in Dorset.

"By harnessing the combined knowledge and expertise of regional colleagues and partner agencies, it gives us the best possible chance of tackling rural criminality, which is often linked to organised crime and operates across county borders.

"We also recognise the blight that waste crime has on our environment and rural communities and we are committed to working with our partners to tackling this issue.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “I am pleased to see Dorset Police working together with neighbouring forces and partner agencies in the latest Operation Ragwort. This operation is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our rural communities and making it clear that crime in Dorset’s countryside will not be tolerated.

Criminals do not respect county borders, so it is vital that we work seamlessly with neighbouring forces and partners to strengthen intelligence, increase visible policing and ensure those who target farms, businesses and wildlife know they will be pursued and brought to justice. Protecting rural Dorset is a priority, and Operation Ragwort is a key part of delivering on that commitment.”

Mr Wilkinson said ongoing work under Operation Ragwort continues to demonstrate how regional collaboration strengthens policing capability, provides reassurance and ensures rural communities across the county receive robust and coordinated protection.