Hampshire Police raid suspected farm vehicle ring

Police from Hampshire’s Country Watch Rural Crime Task Force led a multi-agency operation on Tuesday 5 August, targeting suspected farm vehicle theft rings.

Supported by drone operators, search and firearms teams, dog units and Thames Valley colleagues, officers executed a warrant to dismantle what they believe to be a vehicle “chop-shop” operating from a rural site off Farnham Road, Odiham.

At the site, officers seized a suspected stolen digger, three trailers, a quad bike and numerous tools. The site had previously been raided in 2021, when 29 stolen vehicles, including vans, caravans, cars and quad bikes, were recovered.

See also: Co-ordinated action sees drop in rural crime cost

Four men were arrested on suspicion of theft, two from Reading, one from Odiham and one from Tadley.

They have since been released on bail as investigations continue. Two of the arrests were made by Thames Valley officers just over the county border.

© Hampshire Police

Sergeant Michael Cork, leading the Country Watch response, said: “The proceeds from this type of offending will feed back into organised crime.

“We want to make this a hostile place for rural criminals and seize stolen property.”

He urged members of rural communities to report any suspicious activity, no matter how minor, to police on the 101 non-emergency number, or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online.

Hampshire Constabulary says this operation reflects its renewed focus on disrupting rural organised crime, with the enhanced Country Watch Task Force deploying specialist resources and proactive tactics across the county’s rural areas.