Rural population feels “underserved”, says police chief

The head of Surrey's rural crime unit said rural residents had felt “underserved” by the police in the past.

Ch Insp Chris Tinney was speaking at the launch of an initiative to “make a statement” about tackling crime in rural areas.

Poaching, vehicle and machine theft, and road safety for riders were addressed in two days of “proactive work,” Surrey Police said.

Ch Insp Tinney said: “I hope this targeted day of action will send a message to the community that Surrey Police is committed to tackling rural crime across our county.”

The two-day “intensive” operation on September 6 and 7 resulted in five arrests and over 80 vehicle stops.

He said the “good results” had only come to police's attention because officers and partners had worked proactively in cases that “would not otherwise have been reported to the police”.

“I would like to thank our partners for their time and expertise and hope that we will work together again soon,” he added.

Surrey Police said more than 20 officers using drones carried out a series of poaching patrols in Mole Valley and Waverley on the night of September 6.

This led to four men with dogs and lamps being stopped in fields in Shere. A poaching investigation is currently underway, police said.

Police also worked with the British Horse Society to assess and advise drivers on how to respond to horses on the road. There were 21 near-misses over the two days.