This in from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police, in their own words. Ed
More than 500 members of Hampshire’s rural community visited the Hampshire Constabulary Rural Policing Event, held at Sparsholt College in Winchester on Friday, 6 May.
The event ran between 12 and 8pm. Landowners, gamekeepers, rural businesses and other residents with an interest in rural issues were invited to find out how Hampshire Constabulary will be dealing with rural crime in the future, and how they could help to keep their communities safe.
Country Watch launched
The event also launched Country Watch, a network of specialist police officers with knowledge and a particular interest in rural crime and issues. These officers cover all rural areas of Hampshire. They are keen to get to know all members of the communities they serve and improve the service rural residents recieve.
A programme of presentations from Hampshire Constabulary officers, including Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson who is responsible for rural policing in Hampshire Constabulary, ran throughout the day.
Representatives from the Hampshire Constabulary Country Watch teams and local and national rural organisations and businesses also set up information stands in Sparsholt College’s Saxony Hall, providing advice relating to rural policing and crime prevention.
Another aim of the event was to encourage members of the rural community and rural businesses to become volunteers within the Country Watch scheme. A presentation was given outlining the benefits of getting involved.
For more details about rural policing in Hampshire
Image: Northern Area Country Watch PC Lee Coleshill poses with the Thames Valley police tractor
