FOLLOWING the successes of Wiltshire Police's Operation Engage to tackle poaching and rural crime, which saw a number of arrests made in the Marlborough area, Wiltshire Police has been briefing Special Constables on the issue.

A number of incidents have taken place around the Marlborough area, specifically a few cases of hare coursing and poaching. As part of Operation Engage, which aims to tackle rural crime in the county, the Rural Crime team made arrests in August around Pewsey, Upavon and Everleigh.

PC Jackson said: “Poaching in particular has, and continues to be, a major concern for farmers and gamekeepers across Wiltshire, and the lasting effects it has on these industries cannot be underestimated. Being able to give officers the opportunity to understand the techniques and types of poaching, enables them to make better decisions out on the ground in the fight against rural crime.”

At the beginning of August, officers seized a Subaru near Figheldean after men and dogs were seen lamping, resulting in the car being driven off road and stopping in a riverbed. Four men were arrested later that evening. The following evening a Land Rover was seen lamping near Everleigh and was pursued by the officers which resulted in two further arrests.

Special constables learned more about rural crime at at Lackham College on a day organised by PC Mark Jackson of the Rural Crime Team, when 12 constables learned about work carried out by gamekeepers and the legislation which applies to the job.

Special Superintendent Scott Batemen said: “I was really pleased that officers from the Special Constabulary were able to become involved in this training. Wiltshire is a rural county so it is important that we have officers with the skills, training and knowledge to tackle crime in our most rural communities.”

The constables learnt about the history and role of a gamekeeper, the legislation around poaching, hare coursing and types of legal shooting. The team also had the chance to see and handle various types of traps and snares, as well as some of the items seized by the Rural Crime Team during some of their investigations.

Superintendent Batemen added: “Special Constables are valued members of the force, and Wiltshire Police is committed to offering opportunities for officers to increase their knowledge of policing and their specialist skills.”